Dustin Penner and pancakegate is turning into one of the longest running story lines of the season. Of course, everybody knows about the open letter he wrote here on MayorsManor (if you don't, where have you been?). And as the Kings made their way through Western Canada on their most recent road trip, it was a hot topic among fans, the media...and even among the home teams.
While he says he didn't hear the crowd chanting 'panckaes' at him every time he was on the ice in Edmonton, he did come home with a pre-game gift.
There was a report about an hour before the game that night that Penner was seen leaving the Oilers dressing room with a bottle of maple syrup - something thought to be a gift from one of his old teammates. However, Penner set the record straight for us...
"It was from Joey Moss (longtime Oilers dressing room attendant). He's very thoughtful. I did a lot for him when I was there and I think it was just his way of trying to repay what I did for him."
We've also received many tweets lately, with people wanting to know if he's had any more pancakes since the 'incident' a few weeks ago.
"Yes, I had pancakes the day we played the Canucks," Penner said. "And then I had eight hits that night. So...I think it was pancake power."
Well, those eight hits were a career high. So, yes, pancake power!
By the way, if you missed the post a few days ago - expect a major announcement early next week with all the details on the Pancakes with Penner event. Final logistics are being assembled and then the date, time and ticket information will all be revealed shortly. All of the money raised is expected to be donated to the Kings Care Foundation.
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Showing posts with label Edmonton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Edmonton. Show all posts
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
GM Dean Lombardi compares rebuilds by Oilers and Kings
Several teams around the NHL have gone through painful rebuilds over the last decade, with a few already cashing in and finding success. Pittsburgh is typically the franchise most point to for how to 'get it right.' More recently, the Blackhawks have been receiving praise, having won the Stanley Cup in 2010.
Entering the season, many considered the Los Angeles Kings to be on the threshold of achieving similar success. And the team right behind them in the process is the Edmonton Oilers. While LA has largely been built on goaltending and defense, the Oil's clear strength is the abundance of top flight forwards they've drafted recently.
Late last week, Kings GM Dean Lombardi was a guest on Mark Spector's radio show (Team 1260, Edmonton). We've already posted several of Lombardi's comments in previous articles. Here, he tackles the rebuilding process for both the Kings and Oilers...
On the notion LA is just a key free agent away - "The most critical thing - and I told Darryl (Sutter) this when he took over the team - of all the things we can do, we have to make our young players, in fact, top players. Not only top players in the sense of notoriety or contract, but they have to become, in fact, core players (who) can match up with Datsyuk and Lidstrom, Thornton and Boyle and all these guys. That is the number one thing that has to happen. If we don't do that - if these players don't, in fact, become 'winners,' then anything else I do in free agency or trades, it's just going to be conversation because it's not going to happen.
Entering the season, many considered the Los Angeles Kings to be on the threshold of achieving similar success. And the team right behind them in the process is the Edmonton Oilers. While LA has largely been built on goaltending and defense, the Oil's clear strength is the abundance of top flight forwards they've drafted recently.
Late last week, Kings GM Dean Lombardi was a guest on Mark Spector's radio show (Team 1260, Edmonton). We've already posted several of Lombardi's comments in previous articles. Here, he tackles the rebuilding process for both the Kings and Oilers...
On the notion LA is just a key free agent away - "The most critical thing - and I told Darryl (Sutter) this when he took over the team - of all the things we can do, we have to make our young players, in fact, top players. Not only top players in the sense of notoriety or contract, but they have to become, in fact, core players (who) can match up with Datsyuk and Lidstrom, Thornton and Boyle and all these guys. That is the number one thing that has to happen. If we don't do that - if these players don't, in fact, become 'winners,' then anything else I do in free agency or trades, it's just going to be conversation because it's not going to happen.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
VIDEO: Inside the Kings locker room after 2-1 loss in EDM
Here's some video from inside the Kings locker room after their 2-1 overtime loss to the Oilers in Edmonton tonight. As you'll see, a shirtless Drew Doughty called the team 'brutal' for the first two periods, Rob Scuderi said there was a 'lack of preparation' to start the game (a common theme the last few games) and Darryl Sutter even chimed in with a few thoughts as well. Take a look...
Last night's post game comments from Sutter included the epic 'park and ride' blast when talking about the emotional win in Calgary (full comments here). Sadly, two of his better quotes tonight didn't make the video.
On the Kings leaving Edmonton with one point instead of two, the coach offered a new Sutterism - 'We didn’t lose' (...adding, "We got three out of four. That’s for you guys [reporters] to be negative about, not me."). Later, when talking about this game vs. the Kings 3-0 loss earlier in the season to the Oilers, Sutter broke loose again, with - "I didn’t see the last time (the Kings) played Edmonton...I didn’t have tickets for that (last) game. Didn’t see it."
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Last night's post game comments from Sutter included the epic 'park and ride' blast when talking about the emotional win in Calgary (full comments here). Sadly, two of his better quotes tonight didn't make the video.
On the Kings leaving Edmonton with one point instead of two, the coach offered a new Sutterism - 'We didn’t lose' (...adding, "We got three out of four. That’s for you guys [reporters] to be negative about, not me."). Later, when talking about this game vs. the Kings 3-0 loss earlier in the season to the Oilers, Sutter broke loose again, with - "I didn’t see the last time (the Kings) played Edmonton...I didn’t have tickets for that (last) game. Didn’t see it."
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Thursday, January 12, 2012
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.
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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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Thursday, December 29, 2011
Remembering Winnipeg and Wayne Gretzky's last game with the LA Kings
For several years in the mid 90's it seemed like the Kings were on a 'Closing Down the Arena' tour, as they made their final visits to old Chicago Stadium, Boston Garden, Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, the Capital Centre just outside Washington DC and several others.
However, it was their second-to-last skate around the ice at Winnipeg Arena in February 1996 that ended up meaning much more than what was originally intended. Coming at the end of a four game jaunt that went from Edmonton to Colorado then St. Louis, the Kings finally arrived in Manitoba on February 25th - having gone 0-2-1 on the trip. To say it was the worst of times wouldn't be much of a stretch, as the Kings had only won one game in 12 tries during the month of February.
Before we get to the events that unfolded in the next 48 hours though, let's take a quick look back at the beginning of the trip. I was on hand for the games in Canada and attended the Kings practices as well.
While the score in Edmonton was 7-2, these weren't the Oilers of old. Ryan Smyth was in his rookie season and goalie Bill Ranford had just been traded to the Boston Bruins the month prior.
The Oilers' seven goals that night came from seven different players - Zdeno Ciger, Mariusz Czerkawski, Greg de Vries, Donald Dufresne, Ralph Intranuovo, Todd Marchant and some guy named Doug Weight (one of the best American born players of his generation). On the receiving end of every one was Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey.
Down at the other end, Oilers netminder Curtis Joseph gave up goals to Vitali Yachmenev and, of course, Wayne Gretzky.
However, it was their second-to-last skate around the ice at Winnipeg Arena in February 1996 that ended up meaning much more than what was originally intended. Coming at the end of a four game jaunt that went from Edmonton to Colorado then St. Louis, the Kings finally arrived in Manitoba on February 25th - having gone 0-2-1 on the trip. To say it was the worst of times wouldn't be much of a stretch, as the Kings had only won one game in 12 tries during the month of February.
Before we get to the events that unfolded in the next 48 hours though, let's take a quick look back at the beginning of the trip. I was on hand for the games in Canada and attended the Kings practices as well.
While the score in Edmonton was 7-2, these weren't the Oilers of old. Ryan Smyth was in his rookie season and goalie Bill Ranford had just been traded to the Boston Bruins the month prior.
The Oilers' seven goals that night came from seven different players - Zdeno Ciger, Mariusz Czerkawski, Greg de Vries, Donald Dufresne, Ralph Intranuovo, Todd Marchant and some guy named Doug Weight (one of the best American born players of his generation). On the receiving end of every one was Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey.
Down at the other end, Oilers netminder Curtis Joseph gave up goals to Vitali Yachmenev and, of course, Wayne Gretzky.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Moreau - 'You can't give the referee an option on that play'
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| Moreau, LA Kings practice (photo: D. Sheehan) |
Those are just a few of the words that were used to describe winger Ethan Moreau when he signed a free agent contract with the Kings late this past summer.
The veteran forward was thought to be somebody who could come in, be a physical presence, chip in a few goals from time to time and help mentor some of the Kings younger players. After all, the former first round pick served as the captain in Edmonton, an assistant captain last season in Columbus and has been to the Stanley Cup Finals.
To date, he's played in every Kings game this season - recording zero goals and three assists. Among the skaters on the team who have played in all 22 games, the only one to see less total-ice-time than Moreau has been Kyle Clifford.
However, even with those limited minutes, he's fourth in hits (44) - and perhaps more disturbing though - he's third on the team in penalty minutes (20) and tops among players who don't have at least one fighting major to boost their totals.
His slashing penalty with less than three minutes to go in the game Wednesday night is what ultimately led to the Stars' tying the game.
After practice today, he spoke a little about the play:
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Ryan Smyth - 'I had a short time here and it was alright'
On January 22, 1995, Ryan Smyth made his NHL debut - playing for the Edmonton Oilers in Los Angeles versus the Kings.
And 1,080 games later, he was back in Southern California - in a different building though - yet, back in an Oilers jersey and ready to take on the Kings once again.
Same result - Edmonton defeated LA.
He also picked up a goal this time around, his sixth goal on the season and has now scored in three straight contests.
Afterwards, he had this to say...
On the overall game - "Obviously it’s nice to get the win, that’s first and foremost. We played a great game. Habby (Khabibulin) obviously played great. We did the little things right that make the difference."
On why he left - "I had a short time here and it was alright. I just felt it was best for my family to move on and it’s always nice to win. After the first two games when we lost after having the lead, we regrouped and have played well. It built some character and we’re playing for each other as a team now."
Rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added the following...
And 1,080 games later, he was back in Southern California - in a different building though - yet, back in an Oilers jersey and ready to take on the Kings once again.
Same result - Edmonton defeated LA.
He also picked up a goal this time around, his sixth goal on the season and has now scored in three straight contests.
Afterwards, he had this to say...
On the overall game - "Obviously it’s nice to get the win, that’s first and foremost. We played a great game. Habby (Khabibulin) obviously played great. We did the little things right that make the difference."
On why he left - "I had a short time here and it was alright. I just felt it was best for my family to move on and it’s always nice to win. After the first two games when we lost after having the lead, we regrouped and have played well. It built some character and we’re playing for each other as a team now."
Rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added the following...
Kings Coach Murray chalks up 3-0 loss to 'bad bounces'
We've already heard from Kings captain Dustin Brown and defenseman Jack Johnson on the team's 3-0 loss to the Oilers.
Now, here are some thoughts from coach Terry Murray...
General comments on the game - "Just a couple of bad bounces out there. The game in Colorado we had some bad luck and some bad bounces. I look at the first goal here tonight and it was off of [Jonathan] Quick’s head. The third goal is a pass that comes from our D and hits [Anze] Kopitar in the back of the foot and they go ahead and score on it. I look at that as bad bounces that happen over the course of the year and that’s what I chalk it up to right now."
On the shot totals, which favored Edmonton 27-19 - "They blocked a lot of shots out there tonight. I thought we in the early going, especially in the first period, had a lot of opportunities to get pucks to the net. We used our defensemen very well, low to high, and a lot of pucks were directed to the net, but they did block a lot. There was no problem in the attitude. The second period is the period that obviously was a problem for us."
Up next, comments from the Oilers.
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Now, here are some thoughts from coach Terry Murray...
General comments on the game - "Just a couple of bad bounces out there. The game in Colorado we had some bad luck and some bad bounces. I look at the first goal here tonight and it was off of [Jonathan] Quick’s head. The third goal is a pass that comes from our D and hits [Anze] Kopitar in the back of the foot and they go ahead and score on it. I look at that as bad bounces that happen over the course of the year and that’s what I chalk it up to right now."
On the shot totals, which favored Edmonton 27-19 - "They blocked a lot of shots out there tonight. I thought we in the early going, especially in the first period, had a lot of opportunities to get pucks to the net. We used our defensemen very well, low to high, and a lot of pucks were directed to the net, but they did block a lot. There was no problem in the attitude. The second period is the period that obviously was a problem for us."
Up next, comments from the Oilers.
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Jack Johnson - 'This is what we do for a living'
After the Kings 3-0 loss to the Oilers tonight, captain Dustin Brown said LA needed to work harder.
Defenseman Jack Johnson shared the following thoughts...
On the team's overall play - "Everyone here wants to do well. I can’t say that anyone is not inspired. This is what we do for a living. We want to play hockey and we want to do well, but like I said - if we don’t score we aren’t going to win."
On the team's offensive struggles - "If we had the answers, we wouldn’t be in this predicament. Why? I really wish I had a good answer for you, but I really don’t. We’ve got a lot of great offensive players here, a lot of talent, but for some reason we are an offensively challenged team. One goal in three [home] games makes it pretty tough to win hockey games. We need to try and find a way to be a little more creative. We need to do something to try and create some offense and score some goals and give Quicker (Jonathan Quick) some help back there."
Updating the stat that everybody looks at it when it comes to Johnson, he was a minus-1 for the night, dropping his season total to plus-1.
Can he stay above the even-line on Saturday vs. Pittsburgh?
The Mayor
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Defenseman Jack Johnson shared the following thoughts...
On the team's overall play - "Everyone here wants to do well. I can’t say that anyone is not inspired. This is what we do for a living. We want to play hockey and we want to do well, but like I said - if we don’t score we aren’t going to win."
On the team's offensive struggles - "If we had the answers, we wouldn’t be in this predicament. Why? I really wish I had a good answer for you, but I really don’t. We’ve got a lot of great offensive players here, a lot of talent, but for some reason we are an offensively challenged team. One goal in three [home] games makes it pretty tough to win hockey games. We need to try and find a way to be a little more creative. We need to do something to try and create some offense and score some goals and give Quicker (Jonathan Quick) some help back there."
Updating the stat that everybody looks at it when it comes to Johnson, he was a minus-1 for the night, dropping his season total to plus-1.
Can he stay above the even-line on Saturday vs. Pittsburgh?
The Mayor
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Dustin Brown - 'The first thing we have to do is work'
It's been a long, slow crawl back. But, ladies and gentleman, after 12 games played this season, standing atop the NHL's Western Conference - it's the Edmonton Oilers.
For the second game in a row, the Kings were shutout 3-0 on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers have now won six straight.
Earlier today, we had an article on MayorsManor where Drew Doughty said - "Smytty's a good player, we all know that...Smytty is just slippery. He's obviously great, so he gets lucky a lot...He’s really good at what he does."
About the only thing he didn't say was 'Tonight, he'll bounce one off of Alex Martinez and get the Oilers first goal of the game.'
That's how it happened though.
After the game, Kings captain Dustin Brown shared a few thoughts...
On the team's effort - "I don’t know if we had any really, especially in the second period. They dominated pretty much every aspect of the game, which is not good enough. It’s something we need to correct pretty quickly. The first thing we have to do is work. It doesn’t matter what type of team you have, if you don’t have hard work you’re not going to do anything.”
On the Kings' overall performance, which included just three shots on goal in the first period - "They are pretty good at blocking shots. Regardless, we should have had a lot more. They played a good defensive game but there are two sides to that--we have to play a lot better offensively."
With just one goal scored in the the last three home games, yes - more offense is needed.
Video highlights after the jump
For the second game in a row, the Kings were shutout 3-0 on home ice. Meanwhile, the Oilers have now won six straight.
Earlier today, we had an article on MayorsManor where Drew Doughty said - "Smytty's a good player, we all know that...Smytty is just slippery. He's obviously great, so he gets lucky a lot...He’s really good at what he does."
About the only thing he didn't say was 'Tonight, he'll bounce one off of Alex Martinez and get the Oilers first goal of the game.'
That's how it happened though.
After the game, Kings captain Dustin Brown shared a few thoughts...
On the team's effort - "I don’t know if we had any really, especially in the second period. They dominated pretty much every aspect of the game, which is not good enough. It’s something we need to correct pretty quickly. The first thing we have to do is work. It doesn’t matter what type of team you have, if you don’t have hard work you’re not going to do anything.”
On the Kings' overall performance, which included just three shots on goal in the first period - "They are pretty good at blocking shots. Regardless, we should have had a lot more. They played a good defensive game but there are two sides to that--we have to play a lot better offensively."
With just one goal scored in the the last three home games, yes - more offense is needed.
Video highlights after the jump
Oilers at Kings: pregame primer - dmen ready to turn tables
You can say 'it's only been 11 games,' but I don't think you'd find many people who would have predicted the Oilers would be ahead of the Kings in the standings at any point this season.
While the Kings have often been compared to the Blackhawks of a few years ago, in terms of the young talent throughout the organization coming together and forming a nice core, the Oilers are often compared to the Avalanche of late.
"They have a team that's somewhat like Colorado," said Mike Richards. "Quick forwards, a lot of skill and 18, 19-year old kids who are playing really well right now. So, we have to know that and be aware that they're wanting to come in here and play hard and with nothing to lose. If we can just play our game though, I think we'll be just fine."
Rob Scuderi still had a few remnants of the Kings last game to get off his chest before moving on to tonight's match-up with the Oilers...
"The teams might be built in a similar fashion. But, I thought we severely outplayed Colorado for the majority of the game (on Sunday). "It's a game we should have won. It happens, but it's a game we should have won. I've only seen the Oilers once this year, in terms of watching them on TV. They have a lot of talented guys. But, we're a good defensive hockey team. If we stick to what makes us a good defensive hockey team, we're not really worried about what anyone does."
While the Kings have often been compared to the Blackhawks of a few years ago, in terms of the young talent throughout the organization coming together and forming a nice core, the Oilers are often compared to the Avalanche of late.
"They have a team that's somewhat like Colorado," said Mike Richards. "Quick forwards, a lot of skill and 18, 19-year old kids who are playing really well right now. So, we have to know that and be aware that they're wanting to come in here and play hard and with nothing to lose. If we can just play our game though, I think we'll be just fine."
Rob Scuderi still had a few remnants of the Kings last game to get off his chest before moving on to tonight's match-up with the Oilers...
"The teams might be built in a similar fashion. But, I thought we severely outplayed Colorado for the majority of the game (on Sunday). "It's a game we should have won. It happens, but it's a game we should have won. I've only seen the Oilers once this year, in terms of watching them on TV. They have a lot of talented guys. But, we're a good defensive hockey team. If we stick to what makes us a good defensive hockey team, we're not really worried about what anyone does."
Ex-Oilers, now Kings, talk about the 'slippery' Ryan Smyth
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| Jarret Stoll and Anze Kopitar rockin' mullets, in honor of Ryan Smyth (photo: LA Kings) |
For several decades now, it seems like there is always something on the line. From the Kings beating the Oilers in the Miracle on Manchester to Wayne Gretzky's milestone points vs. Edmonton. From payback for Craig Muni breaking Tomas Sandstrom's leg in the playoffs to former captain Kelly Buchberger's return to Edmonton. From Lubomir Visnovsky's return to LA to a the Dustin Penner-Colten Teubert trade last year. It's always something.
Tonight is no different. Over the summer, Ryan Smyth asked GM Dean Lombardi for a trade and basically tied his hands by requesting only a move to Edmonton.
I spoke with a few of the Kings about facing the quickly improving Oilers, and specifically, they're former teammate...
"There's a lot of history, for sure," said Jarret Stoll. "We have a lot of guys who have been on that side and vise versa. Smytty had his decisions and his reasons. It is what it is. We just move on, we play hockey and we try to win games. If he's happy there, that's great. We feel we're a good team in here and we're focusing on that."
When asked for their favorite memory of Smyth's time in LA, nearly every player said the same thing - "When we wore the mullets in warm-up. That was a fun day around here," remarked Stoll.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Penner defends himself against Greene's accusations
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| Dustin Penner (photo by: C. Ikiri) |
A few weeks back, Matt Greene came out swinging. The long reigning champ of comedy within the Kings locker room had heard enough. Two of his former Oilers teammates were coming for his crown, but the 28-year old defenseman wasn't going down without a fight.
He warned the public, don't buy into the hype surrounding Ethan Moreau, who he claimed had been riding his coattails...or Dustin Penner, someone Greene said he's been nursing along for years.
Moreau had his chance to respond here on MayorsManor, boasting that Greene and Penner are only funny because they stole his best material when they left Edmonton.
Now, Dustin Penner steps up with his retort...
"I'd like to put this issue to bed once and for all. What was Greener in that last article, something about how he took me under his wing? Well, that's a cute way of putting it when he pretty much begged me for a month straight to move in with him. I was pretty happy and content in the hotel. But, he ended up saying I could stay there for free and that he'd give me a check monthly just to stay there - so he could learn from me. And I think we did pretty well with getting him up to an acceptable level of humor, as everybody thinks he's pretty funny now."
Then, out of nowhere, he softened up just a bit...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Dustin Brown adds a new name to Penner vs Greene feud
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| Is he the funniest LA King? (photo by: C.Ikiri) |
No, it wasn't who would be the starting goalie this year. Didn't Jonathan Quick end that argument last season?
It also wasn't which rookie would make the team - Brandon Kozun or Tyler Toffoli? Actually, that discussion may have gone on a bit longer had the Kings not signed Ethan Moreau in late August.
So, the undisputed topic de jour has been 'Which player on the LA Kings is the funniest?'
Many insiders had Matt Greene running away with the title for the last few years. Then, Dustin Penner showed up in February and the competition looked to be heating up again when he immediately challenged Greene to a ping pong contest, something Greene turned down and shrugged off.
In mid-June, things went a different direction when Greene offered up tattoos for his teammates - like, brass knuckles or a big wolf for Kyle Clifford...and a bald eagle right across Jack Johnson's chest.
Soon thereafter, Penner turned his attention to a wide variety of topics - including the NHL, shoe manufacturers, the Simpsons and much more (article linked here).
Then, Ethan Moreau wasted no time jumping into the mix either. Just days after joining the Kings, he insinuated neither of those two were funny at all. In fact, he alleges they stole his best material when they left Edmonton (article linked here).
By the time training camp opened up a few weeks later, Greene had heard enough. He offered an exclusive rebuttal here on MayorsManor, where he called out both guys - saying Moreau had been riding his coattails for years all while nursing Penner along at the same time (link).
Before those three sign on for a cage match at the next WWE pay-per-view though, let's get a fresh perspective on things.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Moreau's highs and lows from Edmonton and Columbus
First off, even though it's a one-year contract, he doesn't see this as his last year in the NHL. Sure, he's already played 900 games over 15 seasons in the league. However, he says he's finally healed up and ready for more - much more.
In fact, at 35, he says he wouldn't mind playing until he's 40.
Yet, that's the road ahead. And before moving on to training camp with the Kings in a few weeks, he reflected back on the travels that have brought him to this stage of his career.
"Going to the Finals was probably the high and the low point," he said, when speaking of his time playing in Edmonton. "We were one game away from winning a Stanley Cup. Then, losing was probably the low point because you come so close to realizing a dream that doesn't happen - you're left with a very, very empty feeling - which is motivation to get back there with this team and to win it. That's the only thing that will kind of make that feeling go away."
Things were different in Columbus, where he was limited to just 37 games last year due to injuries.
"It was exciting to start last season there. I had a lot of responsibility and I played a lot early in the season. Unfortunately, I broke my hand and had to have surgery, which really derailed my year. Like you said, I only played 37 games, so it was tough to get a great feeling for the organization or the city. But, I enjoyed my time there, even though it was short."
Although Moreau and fellow LA roster addition Mike Richards are very different players, one thing they have in common is knowing what it's like to play in a hockey-crazed market.
Richards has already acknowledged he thinks he'll like it better in LA, where he can focus more on the game and less on answering questions away from the rink.
Moreau already had a taste of a 'less intense' market when he was the Blue Jackets last year. Did he find it any easier?
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Ethan Moreau happier to be with Kings than playing them
Ethan Moreau was practically a member of the Kings before he ever signed a contract.
Over the last few seasons, many of his former friends and one-time teammates were traded here - guys like Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene and Dustin Penner.
Combine that with the fact he's spent many of those summers in Southern California training with his brother - and occasionally some of the Kings players - and you'll start to understand why he already felt like Los Angeles was home.
It wasn't even that surprising to him when Kings captain Dustin Brown thumbed out a 'welcome aboard' tweet soon after his deal with Kings GM Dean Lombardi was made official.
"I've had tough games against Brownie and we've kind of gone at it on the ice," said Moreau. "But, I've gotten to know him over the years and he was one of the first guys to call me. Overall, I have a pretty good relationship with most of the guys on the team. So, it was almost hard to play the Kings because I knew so many players on the team, just from being here in the summers and training with them and skating with them."
Even so, as a professional athlete, he says he was able to flip the necessary switch on game nights.
Over the last few seasons, many of his former friends and one-time teammates were traded here - guys like Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene and Dustin Penner.
Combine that with the fact he's spent many of those summers in Southern California training with his brother - and occasionally some of the Kings players - and you'll start to understand why he already felt like Los Angeles was home.
It wasn't even that surprising to him when Kings captain Dustin Brown thumbed out a 'welcome aboard' tweet soon after his deal with Kings GM Dean Lombardi was made official.
"I've had tough games against Brownie and we've kind of gone at it on the ice," said Moreau. "But, I've gotten to know him over the years and he was one of the first guys to call me. Overall, I have a pretty good relationship with most of the guys on the team. So, it was almost hard to play the Kings because I knew so many players on the team, just from being here in the summers and training with them and skating with them."
Even so, as a professional athlete, he says he was able to flip the necessary switch on game nights.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Penner says Moreau adds more leadership to the LA Kings
That is, if you have one.
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi has been collecting former captains and assistants this summer - from Mike Richards and Simon Gagne, to his latest signee, Ethan Moreau.
Yes, he's another former Oiler - joining Dustin Penner, Matt Greene and Jarret Stoll among others.
However, Moreau is also the former captain in Edmonton, something Penner thinks shouldn't go unnoticed.
"He's captained a Canadian franchise, in a market that can be hard to play in," began Penner when we spoke by phone yesterday afternoon. "He's a great addition to our team and I think he's an important piece of the puzzle."
Although they were last in the same dressing room during the 2009-10 season, Penner said - "I've been in regular contact with him since the day we stopped playing together."
In fact, they've spoken several times over the last few weeks and Moreau sent Penner a text right after he caught wind he was going to be with the Kings.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Look for LA Kings to add 'sandpaper' in next few days
Flyers West?
Nah, it may be time to resurrect 'Oliers South.'
Before Kings GM Dean Lombardi was accused of trying to bring a Philadelphia brand of hockey to Los Angeles, he was on the verge of repeating the cycle of team leaders from the early '90s.
After Wayne Gretzky arrived, the franchise eventually acquired nearly every one of his former Oiler teammates - with one notable exception, Mark Messier.
When guys like Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene and Ryan Smyth started to fill the Kings locker room, some wondered if 'Oilers South' was about to make a comeback.
That story had been pushed to the back burner a bit though as the collection of former Flyers started to increase, peaking with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne nearly two months ago.
Now...we don't deal with rumors much here on MayorsManor...so, this is more than a rumor.
In the next few days, look for another former Oiler to sign a one-year deal with the Kings (for around $1-million).
Nah, it may be time to resurrect 'Oliers South.'
Before Kings GM Dean Lombardi was accused of trying to bring a Philadelphia brand of hockey to Los Angeles, he was on the verge of repeating the cycle of team leaders from the early '90s.
After Wayne Gretzky arrived, the franchise eventually acquired nearly every one of his former Oiler teammates - with one notable exception, Mark Messier.
When guys like Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene and Ryan Smyth started to fill the Kings locker room, some wondered if 'Oilers South' was about to make a comeback.
That story had been pushed to the back burner a bit though as the collection of former Flyers started to increase, peaking with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne nearly two months ago.
Now...we don't deal with rumors much here on MayorsManor...so, this is more than a rumor.
In the next few days, look for another former Oiler to sign a one-year deal with the Kings (for around $1-million).
Sunday, July 31, 2011
POLL: How should NHL resolve Kings-Oliers grievance?
Poor Gary Bettman. The guy gets booed everywhere he goes.
He rarely gets complimented for anything he does, at least not by fans.
And he finds himself in another lose-lose situation after the Los Angeles Kings officially filed a grievance against the Edmonton Oilers.
Regardless of how he resolves the mess, some percentage of people on the opposite side will complain he treated their team unfairly.
I'm sure that annual salary that's north of $7 million will help him sleep at night though. Being the most hated man in hockey does have its price.
So, what's at stake here? Essentially, the Kings feel the Oilers were deceitful, not once - but twice! In re-acquiring Ryan Smyth, they first tried to give the Kings Gilbert Brule - who was injured. The deal was finally consummated when they replaced him with Colin Fraser in the deal. Soon thereafter, it was discovered Fraser had a fairly significant ankle injury. Thus began the war of words...err, difference of opinion...between Kings GM Dean Lombardi and his Oilers counterpart, Steve Tambellini.
That's the gist of things. Helene Elliott of the LA Times had more details on the story here.
And Colin Fraser had an exclusive interview with MayorsManor here.
Now, for the tough question. If you were Commissioner Bettman, how would you resolve the case?
Poll closes Tuesday at noon.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Dustin Penner on the Kings newest acquisition, Colin Fraser
LA Kings coach Terry Murray already juggling the lines for next season
Welcome to the Dustin Penner Comedy Hour - this summer's don't miss article
Dean Lombardi 'troubled' by the Ryan Smyth trade request
Exclusive interview with Colin Fraser - talking injury, trade, Kings, Oilers, etc.
.
He rarely gets complimented for anything he does, at least not by fans.
And he finds himself in another lose-lose situation after the Los Angeles Kings officially filed a grievance against the Edmonton Oilers.
Regardless of how he resolves the mess, some percentage of people on the opposite side will complain he treated their team unfairly.
I'm sure that annual salary that's north of $7 million will help him sleep at night though. Being the most hated man in hockey does have its price.
So, what's at stake here? Essentially, the Kings feel the Oilers were deceitful, not once - but twice! In re-acquiring Ryan Smyth, they first tried to give the Kings Gilbert Brule - who was injured. The deal was finally consummated when they replaced him with Colin Fraser in the deal. Soon thereafter, it was discovered Fraser had a fairly significant ankle injury. Thus began the war of words...err, difference of opinion...between Kings GM Dean Lombardi and his Oilers counterpart, Steve Tambellini.
That's the gist of things. Helene Elliott of the LA Times had more details on the story here.
And Colin Fraser had an exclusive interview with MayorsManor here.
Now, for the tough question. If you were Commissioner Bettman, how would you resolve the case?
Poll closes Tuesday at noon.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Dustin Penner on the Kings newest acquisition, Colin Fraser
LA Kings coach Terry Murray already juggling the lines for next season
Welcome to the Dustin Penner Comedy Hour - this summer's don't miss article
Dean Lombardi 'troubled' by the Ryan Smyth trade request
Exclusive interview with Colin Fraser - talking injury, trade, Kings, Oilers, etc.
.
After grievance filed, exclusive interview with Colin Fraser
 |
| Rich Clune, Colin Fraser at Dodger game |
After the Mike Richards press conference on Wednesday, Kings GM Dean Lombardi let it be known he was still keeping his options open when it came to dealing with the aftermath of the Ryan Smyth trade - although indicating things would become more clear in the next 48 hours.
True to his word, two dominoes fell. Center Colin Fraser did in fact have surgery in Los Angeles - ending speculation that he might miraculously heal without it - and on Friday the Kings formally filed their complaint with the league office.
Where things go from here is anybody's guess. The most likely scenarios mentioned - Fraser remaining on the Oilers roster until he's cleared to play (that's a cap savings) and/or additional compensation being given to Los Angeles in the form of a draft pick.
One thing is clear though, Fraser can't wait to put it all behind him and is hoping he's a fast healer.
As we stood on the grass at Dodger Stadium Friday night, with Jarret Stoll rigorously playing catch in front of us, Fraser opened up about the drama surrounding the Kings-Oilers trade this summer.
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