Just prior to taking on the Blackhawks in his first game as a member of the LA Kings, newly acquired forward Jeff Carter did a brief interview with Patrick O’Neal...
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Saturday, February 25, 2012
10 Tidbits from LA Kings morning skate - no Carter yet
The Kings had an earlier than usual skate this morning, due to tonight's game vs. the Blackhawks being at 5pm local time. Of course, the big topics around the locker room continues to be Jeff Carter and the upcoming trade deadline. Here's 10 tidbits that we picked up...
- Willie Mitchell on why he signed in LA now vs. testing free agency: "It's about having a shot at the Stanley Cup...it's all about winning. I want a Cup. I don't have that. A couple of guys around here do. I hear the stories, I hear everything...that's what drives me and that's what motivates me."
- Jeff Carter will wear #77 and play on a line with Mike Richards and rookie Dwight King to start the game, per coach Darryl Sutter. Carter will also get time on the power play.
- King on if he's following the trade rumors: "If you watch any sports program, you see a little bit of the action going on. But, I try not to pay too much attention."
- Willie Mitchell on why he signed in LA now vs. testing free agency: "It's about having a shot at the Stanley Cup...it's all about winning. I want a Cup. I don't have that. A couple of guys around here do. I hear the stories, I hear everything...that's what drives me and that's what motivates me."
- Jeff Carter will wear #77 and play on a line with Mike Richards and rookie Dwight King to start the game, per coach Darryl Sutter. Carter will also get time on the power play.
- King on if he's following the trade rumors: "If you watch any sports program, you see a little bit of the action going on. But, I try not to pay too much attention."
Mike Richards over Philly, building something special in LA
Mike Richards was pressed about the negative stories in Philadelphia when he first arrived in Los Angeles last summer. At the time, he answered every question posed to him. When training camp began a few months later, it was time to turn the page and talk about the LA Kings. Now, with the addition of Jeff Carter - his best friend and former Flyers teammate - he was asked about things again today. This time around, he's ready to move forward. Take a listen, here's a brief clip from this morning's media scrum...
If you've never read it, here's the exclusive piece we did with Ian Laperriere at the time of the trade, he talks about the rumored feud between Richards and Chris Pronger.
Plenty more quotes from other players following the a.m. skate will be posting shortly.
Also, we'll provide live notes from Carter's 'Welcome to LA' meeting at 2:45 pm this afternoon. Follow along on the twitter/facebook link below.
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
One-on-one interview with Dustin Brown - his thoughts on hearing his name in trade rumors
VIDEO: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
If you've never read it, here's the exclusive piece we did with Ian Laperriere at the time of the trade, he talks about the rumored feud between Richards and Chris Pronger.
Plenty more quotes from other players following the a.m. skate will be posting shortly.
Also, we'll provide live notes from Carter's 'Welcome to LA' meeting at 2:45 pm this afternoon. Follow along on the twitter/facebook link below.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
One-on-one interview with Dustin Brown - his thoughts on hearing his name in trade rumors
VIDEO: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
Friday, February 24, 2012
One-on-one with LA captain Dustin Brown, talking trade rumors
Who wouldn't want that guy on their team? So, of course, teams are interested in him.
But, when Bob McKenzie - the gold standard for NHL Insiders - mentions the Kings are looking to deal him, people stand up and take notice. That's the 'other' news in LA at the moment.
During last night's conference call with GM Dean Lombardi, he said "Right now, I have absolutely nothing," when asked about the possibility of additional trades following the acquisition of Jeff Carter.
Still, after practice today, I spoke with Brown about the latest hysteria. Yes, there was a throng of media on hand today to speak with the players, including Brown. However, I waited until the herd of cameras, microphones and others were gone. Alone in his stall, we had the following conversation...
MM: What do you make of all the rumors that are out there?
DB: I can't say I don't think about them. There's no sense in dwelling over it though. It's one of those things, it's part of the business. There are a lot rumors out there that are true, there's a lot of rumors out there that aren't true. There's a lot of stuff that goes on behind the scenes that a lot of people don't see. As a player, I just try to concern myself with being a better player, especially considering the huge game we have prior to the deadline. We need two points. As one of the leaders on this team, it's my responsibility to be ready to play.
MM: Guys react to being part of the rumor mill differently. Some guys get angry, some get hurt. What's your reaction to the things being said in the last twenty four hours about you possibly being on the move?
Doughty on the Kings trading Jack Johnson to Columbus
Last hour we brought you Matt Greene's comments on the big Kings news item of the day. Meanwhile, fellow defenseman Drew Doughty has yet to speak with Jack Johnson, opting not to bother him during what's surely a busy time after being traded - "I just sent him a quick text yesterday and told him we were going to miss him and good luck."
Doughty went on to share several other thoughts on the deal and the particulars involved...
On the roster change - "Overall, I think the deal is going to help our team...when Jack signed his contract last year, he and I thought we'd be here together for a long while. So it was kind of a shock to see him go...we're going to miss JJ, for sure. Ever since I've been on this team, (he's been here as well). He's a good friend of mine, he's a really good player too. We're sad to see him go. But, we have to move on because it's part of the business and Carts is going to make us a better team."
On the mood of late, was change in the air - "Yeah, we all kinda thought something was going to happen. We didn't know who or what or anything like that. But, we definitely knew that something was going to happen. You never want to see anybody go, but it's part of business."
On the need for a shake-up - "I don't know. I think it's on us. I don't think we necessarily needed a shake-up to get things going. I think every singe one of us needs to look in the mirror and give every inch, give everything we've got. We're going to do that. We're really frustrated with how we're playing right now. Not being in a playoff spot is tough, especially with the guys we have on this team."
More later. Links to related articles can be found below.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
VIDEO: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Doughty went on to share several other thoughts on the deal and the particulars involved...
On the roster change - "Overall, I think the deal is going to help our team...when Jack signed his contract last year, he and I thought we'd be here together for a long while. So it was kind of a shock to see him go...we're going to miss JJ, for sure. Ever since I've been on this team, (he's been here as well). He's a good friend of mine, he's a really good player too. We're sad to see him go. But, we have to move on because it's part of the business and Carts is going to make us a better team."
On the mood of late, was change in the air - "Yeah, we all kinda thought something was going to happen. We didn't know who or what or anything like that. But, we definitely knew that something was going to happen. You never want to see anybody go, but it's part of business."
On the need for a shake-up - "I don't know. I think it's on us. I don't think we necessarily needed a shake-up to get things going. I think every singe one of us needs to look in the mirror and give every inch, give everything we've got. We're going to do that. We're really frustrated with how we're playing right now. Not being in a playoff spot is tough, especially with the guys we have on this team."
More later. Links to related articles can be found below.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
VIDEO: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Matt Greene on his call with Jack Johnson last night
Obviously, the topic de jour around the Kings locker room following practice today was the trade of Jack Johnson to Columbus. In an effort to push out as much of the content as possible, we'll streamline the 'story' we wrap around things and try to simply post more of the raw comments.
In speaking with Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Mike Richards, Willie Mitchell, etc. it seems that only Matt Greene actually spoke with Johnson last night (the others exchanged several text messages with him). Here's Greene with some insight into what went down...
On the trade - "You have to give something to get something. We need scoring. Jack is an awesome d-man and sometimes that's what you have to give up to get what you need. And that's what we needed, scoring."
On yesterday - "I talked to him pretty early on. He actually let me know the deal was done...I said it was just too bad he was getting out of here. I liked playing with him. He's a good guy, great player. It will help them out a lot. He'll get a chance to play a little bit more too. He's going to be a guy to eat up a lot of minutes for a long time for those guys. So, it helps them out. Plus, we get a guy coming back who's going to help us out too."
On Johnson's mood last night - "It's tough, it's a weird feeling when you get the call that you've been traded. I've been through it one time and I think you're still in shock and awe (when it happens)...so, speaking from experience, I think he was in shock last night."
Is that maybe why he reached out to you, for some advice or insight on your experience? - "Yeah, that and we were roomies on the road for the last four years. We've been in each other's lives everyday for the last four years...he's a friend as much as (he was a) teammate."
Plenty more to come. In the meantime, please check the related links below to see if you've missed any of the coverage over the last few days.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
VIDEO: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
In speaking with Drew Doughty, Dustin Brown, Mike Richards, Willie Mitchell, etc. it seems that only Matt Greene actually spoke with Johnson last night (the others exchanged several text messages with him). Here's Greene with some insight into what went down...
On the trade - "You have to give something to get something. We need scoring. Jack is an awesome d-man and sometimes that's what you have to give up to get what you need. And that's what we needed, scoring."
On yesterday - "I talked to him pretty early on. He actually let me know the deal was done...I said it was just too bad he was getting out of here. I liked playing with him. He's a good guy, great player. It will help them out a lot. He'll get a chance to play a little bit more too. He's going to be a guy to eat up a lot of minutes for a long time for those guys. So, it helps them out. Plus, we get a guy coming back who's going to help us out too."
On Johnson's mood last night - "It's tough, it's a weird feeling when you get the call that you've been traded. I've been through it one time and I think you're still in shock and awe (when it happens)...so, speaking from experience, I think he was in shock last night."
Is that maybe why he reached out to you, for some advice or insight on your experience? - "Yeah, that and we were roomies on the road for the last four years. We've been in each other's lives everyday for the last four years...he's a friend as much as (he was a) teammate."
Plenty more to come. In the meantime, please check the related links below to see if you've missed any of the coverage over the last few days.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
VIDEO: Kings GM Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Jack Johnson reacts to the trade, plus other evening notes
As noted in my earlier tweets/posts, the Kings are saying Jeff Carter won't be in LA until Saturday. So, it's still up in the air if he'll play that night vs. the Blackhawks. Both teams need to get all of the physicals and paperwork done.
For now, here are some updates. Please note - much of the stuff from the Columbus side comes from the fine work of Aaron Portzline at the Columbus Distpatch (via twitter).
- The trade was Carter for Jack Johnson and a first round pick from the Kings. If LA misses the playoffs, Columbus gets their 2013 first round pick. If LA makes the playoffs this year, Columbus can opt for the 2012 or 2013 pick.
- Johnson will wear jersey #7 in Columbus. Carter's number in LA is still TBD. However, he wore seven with the Blue Jackets (taken by Rob Scuderi in LA) and 17 with the Flyers. Perhaps that's the number he'll use. Stand by for an update.
- Johnson on the trade - "I'm excited by this. I’m excited to go to a team that wants me, and to play in a great sports city. I want to be part of the solution there. I know they’ve had some bad breaks and some tough seasons, but it’s going to be great when it turns around. Really, I don’t think there’s anything sweeter in sports than being part of a team when they get it turned around."
Portzline's full article is here.
We'll be on hand tomorrow at the Kings 10am morning for live reaction and comments from the players and coach Sutter. Be sure to follow along at the twitter/facebook links below.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
VIDEO: Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
For now, here are some updates. Please note - much of the stuff from the Columbus side comes from the fine work of Aaron Portzline at the Columbus Distpatch (via twitter).
- The trade was Carter for Jack Johnson and a first round pick from the Kings. If LA misses the playoffs, Columbus gets their 2013 first round pick. If LA makes the playoffs this year, Columbus can opt for the 2012 or 2013 pick.
- Johnson will wear jersey #7 in Columbus. Carter's number in LA is still TBD. However, he wore seven with the Blue Jackets (taken by Rob Scuderi in LA) and 17 with the Flyers. Perhaps that's the number he'll use. Stand by for an update.
- Johnson on the trade - "I'm excited by this. I’m excited to go to a team that wants me, and to play in a great sports city. I want to be part of the solution there. I know they’ve had some bad breaks and some tough seasons, but it’s going to be great when it turns around. Really, I don’t think there’s anything sweeter in sports than being part of a team when they get it turned around."
Portzline's full article is here.
We'll be on hand tomorrow at the Kings 10am morning for live reaction and comments from the players and coach Sutter. Be sure to follow along at the twitter/facebook links below.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
VIDEO: Dean Lombardi on the trade for Jeff Carter
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
LIVE call-in show tonight 8pm PST - Johnson for Carter trade
Knowing that a lot of you will want to weigh in with your opinion on today's big LA Kings trade, MayorsManor will be hosting a special LIVE call-in show tonight at 8pm. Please join us for Hockey Chirps Live - the Johnson/Carter edition.
It will be a jam packed show. But, most of all, we want to hear from you. Do you like the deal? Why or why not? Do you think the Kings are done trading? What would you do if you were GM of the Kings?
Plus, anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.
Joining me to co-host what should be a fun night will be Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.
The show starts tonight at 8pm PST.
Access the show page here or listen to the full episode using the player below.
The Mayor
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It will be a jam packed show. But, most of all, we want to hear from you. Do you like the deal? Why or why not? Do you think the Kings are done trading? What would you do if you were GM of the Kings?
Plus, anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.
Joining me to co-host what should be a fun night will be Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.
The show starts tonight at 8pm PST.
Access the show page here or listen to the full episode using the player below.
Listen to internet radio with MayorsManor X Hockey Chirps on Blog Talk Radio
The Mayor
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VIDEO: Dean Lombardi on LA Kings trade for Jeff Carter
Reminder, MayorsManor will host a special one-hour call in show tonight to talk about the Jeff Carter-Jack Johnson trade between the Kings and Blue Jackets. You're encouraged to call in - we want your feedback. Also joining me will be Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. Click here to listen in at 8pm PST.
For now, here's an interview with Kings GM Dean Lombardi...
Here are a few related articles of interest too...
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
For now, here's an interview with Kings GM Dean Lombardi...
Here are a few related articles of interest too...
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Kings locker room is tense because of all the trade rumors, per Doughty
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
VIDEO: NHL 36 special on Kings' Mike Richards
If you missed the debut of 'NHL 36: Mike Richards' last night, here's the full episode. There are lots of behind the scenes shots of areas usually off limits to cameras - including the players lounge at TSC and more. They really did a great job capturing his routine leading up to the game last Thursday vs. Phoenix. Although, some of you will probably think Andrei Loktionov stole the show...
Ricahrds was also a recent guest on MayorsManor, where he talked openly about the Jeff Carter trade rumors - click here to read what he had to say.
The Mayor
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Ricahrds was also a recent guest on MayorsManor, where he talked openly about the Jeff Carter trade rumors - click here to read what he had to say.
The Mayor
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ANNOUNCEMENT: MayorsManor LIVE call-in show this Sunday
We're looking to hear from you hockey fans! MayorsManor is proud to announce that this Sunday night - on the eve of the NHL Trade Deadline - we're kicking off a new show, Hockey Chirps Live.
It will a be 90-minute call-in show, where we'll be taking your calls to review all possible trade scenarios from around the NHL. Who would you give up for Rick Nash? Jeff Carter? Zach Parise? Why your team should trade player A for player B. Who is the one untouchable on your team? What rumors have you heard - find out if they're fact or fiction.
Anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.
Joining me to co-host this all-new adventure is Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. We'll update you on all the rumors and fill you in on who's likely to be traded...and for what.
Join us this Sunday, starting at 7pm PST.
You can access the show page here.
Hope you'll join us.
[UPDATE: An updated show page, with links to the Jim Fox and Sean O'Donnell interviews can be found here.]
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
It will a be 90-minute call-in show, where we'll be taking your calls to review all possible trade scenarios from around the NHL. Who would you give up for Rick Nash? Jeff Carter? Zach Parise? Why your team should trade player A for player B. Who is the one untouchable on your team? What rumors have you heard - find out if they're fact or fiction.
Anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.
Joining me to co-host this all-new adventure is Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. We'll update you on all the rumors and fill you in on who's likely to be traded...and for what.
Join us this Sunday, starting at 7pm PST.
You can access the show page here.
Hope you'll join us.
[UPDATE: An updated show page, with links to the Jim Fox and Sean O'Donnell interviews can be found here.]
The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Jack Johnson on his preferences, rumors and what's next
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| Jack Johnson (photo: M. Zampelli) |
"Most of the time, rumors aren't worth the paper they're written on," Kings defenseman Jack Johnson shared during a recent conversation.
"If something's going to happen, it's going to happen. It's kind of out of your control. So, you try not to worry about it," he said, in response to the rumors that always pop up at this time of year regarding him being dealt.
While he's approaching things with his typical laid back attitude (something more akin to a life long California beach bum than a kid raised in Michigan), others in the locker room have admitted to the mood around the Kings becoming more tense of late.
Drew Doughty was one of those people in an article here on MayorsManor a few days ago (link).
Yet, true to form, Johnson downplayed the idea when asked for a reaction to Doughty's assessment - "I haven't noticed anything like that."
VIDEO: Kyle Clifford hit in Phoenix leads to non-suspension
Besides how or why the Kings were defeated by the Coyotes last night, after being up 3-0 in the first period, the other hotly debated issue coming out of the game was the legality of Kyle Clifford's hit on Gilbert Brule. Opinions on social media sites ranged from it was a hockey play to penalty-worthy on up to he should be suspended.
Today, the ultimate judge and jury ruled when the NHL opted to not even hold a hearing on the matter (per Helene Elliott of the LA Times).
Here's the play...
If Brule's name sounds familiar to you for some reason, it's probably because he was the initial (injured) player the Oilers tried sending to LA in the Ryan Smyth deal. Of course, he was later replaced by Colin Fraser.
The Mayor
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Today, the ultimate judge and jury ruled when the NHL opted to not even hold a hearing on the matter (per Helene Elliott of the LA Times).
Here's the play...
If Brule's name sounds familiar to you for some reason, it's probably because he was the initial (injured) player the Oilers tried sending to LA in the Ryan Smyth deal. Of course, he was later replaced by Colin Fraser.
The Mayor
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Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash
Conventional wisdom is that the Kings' two best trade chips from their current NHL roster would be Jack Johnson and Jonathan Bernier (trading either comes with its own risk, as reviewed previously in an article here). That's not saying either guy needs to be traded. It simply means to get something of value, they need to give up something of value. Both players are hot commodities around the league - so, it's a compliment to who and what they are.
To get Nash out of Columbus, it's believed the Kings would have to give up both players, plus possibly Dustin Brown and another draft pick or prospect. That's a huge gamble on one player and would the Kings really be better off for it? They will have lost one of their best defensemen - arguably, their best defenseman this season - plus a top-six forward and added only one player in return.
Nash supporters will argue he isn't 'only' a player, he's a superstar (or at the very least a superstar in waiting). Yes, he's averaged 35 goals per year over the last seven seasons. And, yes, he's been able to do much of that without having linemates nearly as talented as somebody like Anze Kopitar.
However, nabbing the best guy from the worst team has long been one of the riskiest trades in sports. Stats are inflated in those environments. Guys are rarely, if ever, able to duplicate those numbers after moving to higher echelon teams.
Monday, February 20, 2012
POLL: LA Kings Player of the Week (w/e February 19)
Recently, we kicked off a 'Player of the Week' segment in conjunction with a regular appearance on All the Kings Men podcast. During this week's show we talk about the Kings' minor league affiliates in Manchester and Ontario, as well discussed the rookie call-ups and where the Kings should go from here with the roster.
You can listen to this week's episode at this link.
With only two games played between February 13-19 - and the Kings not getting goals in either - filling out the ballot for 'King of the Week' was challenging. However, in the podcast we reviewed why Mike Richards and Willie Mitchell deserve to be nominated. So be sure to give it a listen.
Here's a quick review of this week's candidates:
Jonathan Quick... two games played, only gave up one goal in each - posting a .948 save percentage in the process
Mike Richards - four shots on goal, four hits, seven penalty minutes - including a fight with a guy two feet taller than him
Willie Mitchell - stout defensive play
This poll closes at 8pm PST on Wednesday.
To view the results of last week's poll, click here.
The Mayor
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You can listen to this week's episode at this link.
With only two games played between February 13-19 - and the Kings not getting goals in either - filling out the ballot for 'King of the Week' was challenging. However, in the podcast we reviewed why Mike Richards and Willie Mitchell deserve to be nominated. So be sure to give it a listen.
Here's a quick review of this week's candidates:
Jonathan Quick... two games played, only gave up one goal in each - posting a .948 save percentage in the process
Mike Richards - four shots on goal, four hits, seven penalty minutes - including a fight with a guy two feet taller than him
Willie Mitchell - stout defensive play
This poll closes at 8pm PST on Wednesday.
To view the results of last week's poll, click here.
The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Does Kopitar even know his left wing? Does it matter?
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| Anze Kopitar (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Even if there was some initial success, all experiments ended the same - with said player being returned to a more 'natural' role.
LA's omnipresent lack of scoring led to a line shuffling today, which netted rookie Jordan Nolan - with all of four NHL career games and a former seventh round draft pick - as Kopitar's new left wing.
"I saw him a little in training camp," said Kopitar, when asked how familiar he even was with Nolan. "If I'm not mistaken, we were on the same team that went to Phoenix for the pre-season game (during a split-squad series with the Coyotes). So, I knew the guy a little bit."
Nope, Nolan didn't make that trip. He stayed behind and played in the game at Staples Center. Fortunately for the 22-year old newbie, he's made a little more of a distinct impression over the last 10 days.
"(Nolan's) been really good for us since he was called up," Kopitar remarked. "He's had some strong games and he scored a goal too. So, all he needs to do is continue doing what he's been doing. Willie (Justin Williams) and I need to pick it up."
That's exactly what Darryl Sutter is looking for. As reported earlier today, the Kings coach has heard enough about team - he wants to hear more about what Kopitar and Dustin Brown are going to do individually.
Kings captain Dustin Brown may have found the 'I' in team
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| Dustin Brown at practice (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Earlier today, Kings coach Darryl Sutter called out two of his star players - Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown - actually saying they 'talk too much about the team' and 'should talk more about themselves, what they bring to the table.'
Perhaps his public words were something he privately shared with each player beforehand because when speaking to Brown right before that, he was taking as much about taking personal responsibility as he was the entire team.
"I have to score more goals," stated Brown. "We have guys in here who are used to scoring more goals and they need to step up and score some goals. That's probably our biggest problem right now. I think the last time I scored a goal was against Calgary at home."
Yes, that game with the Flames was back on January 19th. So, with an 11-game drought since then, it was time for a chance. For tomorrow night's game in Phoenix, Sutter is moving Brown from the top-line left wing position back to his more natural right side - but, dropping him down a line to play with Mike Richards. Does he think that will help?
Will the real Darryl Sutter please stand up?
...or is that what just happened?
When the LA Kings were first rumored to be interested in hiring Darryl Sutter as the coach to replace Terry Murray, many scoffed at the idea. He was labeled a yeller, bombastic, hard-nosed, fiery, volatile, abrasive and several other less than flattering adjectives.
Then, at the team's press conference to announce his hiring, Dean Lombardi warned anybody who would listen - don't believe what you hear, Sutter is more than just a screamer.
The GM appeared to know exactly what he was talking about, as the new coach was as personable as can be for the first two months. Players would gush when talking about him and TV cameras often caught him giving words of encouragement to individuals on the bench during games.
"Kopitar and Brown (need) to get going. Neither one has done much for six weeks," Sutter said, when kicking off his post-practice press conference today. "These guys talk too much about the team. They should talk more about themselves, what they bring to the table."
And with that, the gloves were off.
Murray had rarely, if ever, criticized his players while leading the Kings. Sure, there was the occasional poke at somebody like Alexei Ponikarovsky. Yet, he never called out his star players.
Sutter? It appears he's seen enough.
Following Saturday night's 1-0 loss - the team's second in a row - he spoke with the players and then went to an adjacent room to meet with media. As he walked in with a lozenge in his mouth, the real surprise may have been that he wasn't on crutches after injuring his foot while firmly putting it up the...well, you get the idea.
"Kopi and Brownie have been stale, from my standpoint, for a little while together," he continued this morning. “(Kopitar) has to bring more energy and more purpose when he has the puck. It’s not that he’s playing poorly. If you didn’t look at him as a high-end offensive player, he’s playing well enough in the three zones, But, when he’s got the puck in the offensive zone, he’s got to be a lot more determined, purposed player when he has it in the offensive zone. He does a really good job of getting there with it and helping everybody else get there, but he’s got to do a better job once he has it there, because he’s capable."
When the LA Kings were first rumored to be interested in hiring Darryl Sutter as the coach to replace Terry Murray, many scoffed at the idea. He was labeled a yeller, bombastic, hard-nosed, fiery, volatile, abrasive and several other less than flattering adjectives.
Then, at the team's press conference to announce his hiring, Dean Lombardi warned anybody who would listen - don't believe what you hear, Sutter is more than just a screamer.
The GM appeared to know exactly what he was talking about, as the new coach was as personable as can be for the first two months. Players would gush when talking about him and TV cameras often caught him giving words of encouragement to individuals on the bench during games.
"Kopitar and Brown (need) to get going. Neither one has done much for six weeks," Sutter said, when kicking off his post-practice press conference today. "These guys talk too much about the team. They should talk more about themselves, what they bring to the table."
And with that, the gloves were off.
Murray had rarely, if ever, criticized his players while leading the Kings. Sure, there was the occasional poke at somebody like Alexei Ponikarovsky. Yet, he never called out his star players.
Sutter? It appears he's seen enough.
Following Saturday night's 1-0 loss - the team's second in a row - he spoke with the players and then went to an adjacent room to meet with media. As he walked in with a lozenge in his mouth, the real surprise may have been that he wasn't on crutches after injuring his foot while firmly putting it up the...well, you get the idea.
"Kopi and Brownie have been stale, from my standpoint, for a little while together," he continued this morning. “(Kopitar) has to bring more energy and more purpose when he has the puck. It’s not that he’s playing poorly. If you didn’t look at him as a high-end offensive player, he’s playing well enough in the three zones, But, when he’s got the puck in the offensive zone, he’s got to be a lot more determined, purposed player when he has it in the offensive zone. He does a really good job of getting there with it and helping everybody else get there, but he’s got to do a better job once he has it there, because he’s capable."
Mike Richards comments on Jeff Carter trade rumors
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| Richards and Beriner (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Every few days a new rumor pops up, with this player or that player on their way to LA. So far, GM Dean Lombardi hasn't consummated a trade. However, it's not for lack of trying. His cell phone bill has probably never been higher. Around the NHL, it's a sellers market and therein lies the problem. Too many teams needing players, not enough willing to sell. Prices are high.
Besides Rick Nash, the other name most often linked to the Kings of late has been Jeff Carter - who just happens to be Mike Richards' best friend.
"I talk to him probably three or four times a week," said Richards, commenting on the close relationship they've maintained after both were traded out of Philadelphia over the summer.
Now, Carter may be on the move again. Columbus thought they had finally hit the jackpot last June, dealing for a grade-A center to play with Nash. To say it's been a nightmare would probably be an understatement and the Blue Jackets are currently looking for somebody to jump in and take over his long-term, big money contract.
"There's no secret to the possibility of him being traded," Richards said. "Obviously, if he came here, that would be a benefit to our team. But, we don't want to give a lot of things up because I think we have a good group here too."
He nailed it, that's the problem. Columbus is believed to be asking for a package that includes Jack Johnson and/or Jonathan Bernier in return. In an article here last week, we discussed the challenges such a move brings for the Kings - namely, Jonathan Quick is a walk away free agent in less than 18 months.
Even so, as Drew Doughty admitted the other day, things are becoming pretty tense around the Kings locker room.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Kings locker room tense due to trade rumors, per Doughty
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| Drew Doughty (photo by: D. Sheehan) |
So far, 2012 has seen a reoccurring problem from the past two years somehow become even worse - they just can't seem to generate goals.
"We feel bad because we know we have the talent in here to score," explained Drew Doughty. "We have the team that should put way more pucks in the net. We're not doing the job."
For as frustrating as that's been for the organization and fans alike, to show just how close they are to being one of the top teams in the league, think about this - 18 of Jonathan Quick’s 26 losses have been by one goal, including 10 of his last 12.
Averaging just a half-a-goal more per game would make a HUGE difference. Winning just a third of those games (eight of the 26 to be more specific) would give them 81 points and have LA sitting second in the Western Conference.
Like several players on the team, Doughty acknowledged there was pressure in the air in the weeks leading to the coaching change. Then, it left like a breeze through an open window in the early part of the Sutter Era. Yet, things have become tense once again according to the 22-year old defenseman.
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