Oscar Moller and Bud Holloway getting tricky on the ice

Oscar Moller and Bud Holloway - remember those two?

Well, before we get to the crazy video and picture below, first let's set the table...

Moller was selected by the Kings in the second round of the 2007 NHL Draft and the 5-foot-10 forward has played 87 games with the big club. Holloway, a left wing, was taken the year before in the third round. He's yet to get a sniff in the NHL, even though he led Manchester (AHL) in points each of the last two seasons.

The offensive minded duo took their talents to Sweden this season, a move that irked Kings GM Dean Lombardi - just read his full comments on the matter here.

Holloway is a few weeks away from his 24th birthday. Yet, how close we are to his NHL debut may be something still up for discussion. He's currently leading Skelleftea with 37 points through 45 games and is fifth in league scoring.

In a recent interview, Holloway described his situation in Europe as "A high-paced league with more puck possession and speed. And playing against that speed and skill every night helps a player develop."  Still disappointed the Kings never called him up last year, while performing so well in Manchester, he later added - "You'd think that deserves a shot, but you never know what the parent club is thinking or what their plans are."

Reign preview - Hardy behind the bench, Berube in net

Tonight marks the fourth season opener for the Ontario Reign, the Kings' ECHL affiliate.

For those who don't follow Southern California's premier minor league hockey franchise too closely, here's a quick crash course to bring you up to speed.

The Reign are owned by the Kemp family, who previously headed up the Long Beach Ice Dogs. They play in a beautiful building (Citizen's Business Bank Arena) some have called a mini-Staples Center - probably because it's also run by AEG.

In October 2008, the Reign played their first ECHL game, against the Bakersfield Condors, the same team they're playing tonight.

At the end of that inaugural season, the team made the playoffs - but, ultimately lost their first round match up with the Stockton Thunder in seven games. Former Kings first round draft pick Colten Teubert was with the Reign for a few games at the end of the season and for the playoffs. Current Manchester goalie, Jeff Zatkoff, was in net at the time and former Monarchs sniper Bud Holloway was among the group of forwards in Ontario.

They missed the playoffs each of the last two seasons, both of which brought mounting frustrations for the fan base and management. Part of the issue on the hockey operations side has been the fact the Kings haven't been sending them four to five players each season, like most other ECHL teams get (team president Justin Kemp spoke openly about the issue here).

Coach Karl Taylor, who also was in charge of managing the team's player personnel, left over the summer, taking an assistant coaching job in the AHL. The circumstances surrounding his departure are murky at best, as he's now working in the Canucks organization - the same team Kemp was negotiating with to bring on as a second NHL affiliate (again, discussed in greater detail in his MayorsManor interview linked above).

This season, the Reign are getting two additions with LA ties.

Another former Kings, Monarchs player signs in Europe

Several weeks back, Los Angeles Kings GM Dean Lombardi was visibly irritated when talking about a few of the team's prospects signing in Europe this summer.

Gone from the pipeline are center Corey Elkins, left wing Bud Holloway and forward Oscar Moller.

Today brings news that John Zeiler has joined the 'other side of the Atlantic' crew, having signed with the Augsburger Panther in Germany.

All four played in Manchester last season, the Kings top farm team.

While each situation is somewhat unique, it was eating at Lombardi that young players were willing to leave the development process and chase the money being offered in Europe.

An exception he seemed to sympathize with though was when older players, whom he described as "26-27 (years old) and they've kind of already been labeled as 'minor league players' and maybe a 'call-up' player" chose that route.

Zeiler, originally selected by the Phoenix Coyotes in the fifth round of the 2002 NHL Draft, would seem to fit that mold. He's 28 and has only played 90 games in the NHL - picking up one goal and adding four assists.

He was called up for four games last season and then actually was recalled again during the playoffs (because of Jarret Stoll's suspension). However, due to the timing of paperwork, flights, etc., he never actually saw any game action the second time around.

Zeiler was not offered a contract by the Kings this summer.

He'll be joining Gabe Gauthier, another one-time Kings prospect and member of the Monarchs (2006-10), who signed with Augsburger last month.

To read Lombardi's full comments on the European situation click here.

Rich Clune, another Monarch last season, weighed in with his thoughts on the overseas defections here.

Finally, in loosely connected news - over the weekend, former Monarchs and Kings forward Noah Clarke left Augsburger to join EHC München.

Clarke, the first California-born player to score a goal for the Kings, stopped by MayorsManor last summer to give a detailed account of his time in Manchester, Los Angeles and now over in Europe.  If nothing else, check it out for the prank he says George Parros played on him when they were teammates with the Monarchs. (link here)

The Mayor
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Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Holloway, Moller's European Vacation

Oscar Moller at Rookie Camp 2010

At the end of the regular season Kings prospect Bud Holloway stopped by MayorsManor to help preview the Manchester Monarchs first round playoff series with Binghamton.

One of the questions we touched on was did he expect to be called-up this past season, given he was the leading scorer in Manchester and the Kings apparent lack of depth on the left side. His response was 'It's always in the back of your head and obviously that's what you're building towards.'

What's going on in his head more recently is something GM Dean Lombardi would like to know. The always animated leader of the Kings organization had plenty to say last week when I asked him for some thoughts on several Monarchs signing to play in Europe next season...

"That's, (heavy sigh)...that's really frustrating," Lombardi started with. "This is another one of those things in the CBA where it was kind of predictable. Whenever you have a cap in the minors, so to speak, and also, we have a problem in our system...not only are we losing these guys, but they're still building equity towards free agency. It used to be that you had to get service, like in baseball. Now you have this thing where these kids can go over there, earn double the money and still move along the path of free agency."

Corey Elkins, a 6-foot-2 center who the Kings originally signed as a free agent out of college in 2009, is one of the trio of players heading to Europe. However, Lombardi focused most of his comments on a different two.

Rich Clune on Bud Holloway leaving Monarchs for Eurupe

Rich Clune in camp (photo: Cikiri)

During the Kings training camp last September, high-energy forward Rich Clune was starting to turn some heads.

Many thought he might even have a chance to crack the line-up in Los Angeles rather than spend a third season in Manchester (AHL).

Originally drafted by the Dallas Stars in 2005, Clune has since spent time in the ECHL, AHL and NHL. All the while, patiently waiting for his opportunity to remain in the big show.

Clune stayed with the Kings through Frozen Fury weekend in Las Vegas. However, ultimately, he lost out on an NHL roster spot - in part, due to the emergence of Kyle Clifford.

No problem, said Clune, when we spoke Friday night on the steps of the Dodger Dugout (several players were at the stadium to throw out the first pitch).

"It was a good year for me because I was able to get a lot more ice than I probably would have in LA," was Clune's view on his 66 games in Manchester last season. "It's a long road. There's a lot of young guys and we had a really talented team. It sucks we didn't go further (in the playoffs). I think we could have easily (won) that first series with Binghamton. What - five games in overtime? But, I had a lot of fun. Wherever I am, I like to have a good time."

Things haven't been quite as fun since arriving back in Los Angeles. He's been working out with Kings strength and conditioning coach Tim Adams, left wing Dustin Penner, etc. (more info on those grueling workouts can be found here)

"I came in for some training with the guys and just did a week with (that crew). My calves are sore," he complained - before joking "that's why I'm leaning up against this railing."

The Never Schennding Journey Continues

Have skates, will travel.

That could easily be the shirt young Brayden Schenn wears while bouncing from one airport to another.

His latest stop - Binghamton, New York, for the Manchester Monarchs third playoff game vs. the hometown Senators.

After some initial confusion about if he would make it there in time to be part of the game or not, Schenn did in fact arrive for pre-skate.

Then, he was announced in the building as a scratch - well, sort of...they announced 'Brandon' Schenn as being scratched. However, he did in fact play and picked up an assist in his return to the Monarchs, while finishing the night with a plus-3 rating.

In what was probably a rare occasion this season though, Schenn was not the story of the night.

Instead, it was the Monarchs incredible come from behind victory.

They spotted Binghamton a 3-0 before Martin Jones came in to relieve starter Jeff Zatkoff in the second period. Here's what followed...

Manchester Monarchs: Gm1 Notes, Quotes, Schenn Update

Last night the Manchester Monarchs opened their 2011 AHL Playoff run with a 2-1 win over the Binghamton Senators.

They received goals from defenseman David Kolomatis and center Corey Elkins. Justin Azevedo, Jordan Nolan and Viatcheslav Voynov picked up assists. Jordan Weal was a healthy scratch and Tyler Toffoli managed just one shot in the game.

Game two is tonight, again in Manchester.

Prior to the series starting, several Monarchs made there way to MayorsManor - including defenseman Thomas Hickey, forward Bud Holloway and goalie Martin Jones.

Below are a few additional comments from afar. First, former Monarchs defenseman Alec Martinez, then Ontario Reign coach Karl Taylor, followed by an update on when to expect Brayden Schenn in a Monarchs uniform this post-season.

Martinez on staying in touch - "I talk to a few of the guys pretty consistently. I talk to (Jeff) Zatkoff a lot.  He and I were roommates in college and played together growing up. We go way back and have known each other for a long time. So, we chat a lot. Plus, the guys I lived with - like Mullen and Hickey and Kolomatis."

MM: I hear Hickey is quite the prankster. Did he pull any good ones on you?

Interview with Monarchs 'Man of the Year' Bud Holloway

Earlier this week, Bud Holloway scored his team-leading 26th goal of the season for the Manchester Monarchs.

While guys like Thomas Hickey (first round NHL draft pick), Viatcheslav Voynov (just announced as AHL Second Team All-Star) and Oscar Moller (currently up with the Kings) may get more press and attention, one things is clear...

Holloway has a special relationship with the back of the net.

Already a playoff hero from last year - when he tied an AHL record with six game-winning goals during the post-season - he's continued to produce on a regular basis.

The 6'0" left wing was selected by the Kings in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft. He went on to play two more years with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL, then split time between Ontario (ECHL) and Manchester during the 2008-09 season. After leading the Reign in playoff points that year, he's been in Manchester ever since.

He added to his resume last season, leading the Monarchs in assists (28) and points (47). And he's found a way to top that this season, already posting 56 points (26g, 30a) with a handful of games remaining.

A few days ago he was voted the 2011 Monarchs 'Man of the Year' for his involvement in the community and is now one of 30 finalists for the league award.

In the interview below we talk about several other Kings prospects, life in Manchester, good pranks, call-ups, the upcoming AHL playoffs and much more...

...And Now You're Caught Up (12/20/2010)

Hockey has a certain rhythm to it. Every shift, every game and every season is inevitably packed with ebbs and flows. Teams are never as bad as they appear during their lowest points. Never as good as they seem during their highest ones. The very best clubs then must be not just talented, but resilient. Not just hungry, but focused.

That's form the new HBO documentary '24/7' - where they're providing a raw, behind the scenes look at the Penguins and Capitals leading up to the Winter Classic. The first episode was unlike any hockey show you've ever seen and should be mandatory viewing for all fans. You can check out the PG-rated version online for free here.

Rumor has it the Kings are working on a similar all-access type show to be produced by their Kings Vision team for online viewing.  It should debut in early 2011.

Now, if shopping, back-to-back Kings games, holiday parties, etc. has been keeping you from the HBO special and other key hockey stories over the last few days, don't worry - we're here to help. Below are the twelve puck related news items you need to know coming out of the weekend...

*  Donald Fehr was approved as the new head of the NHL Players Association, effective immediately.  Exactly what this means when it comes to the impending negotiations with the league office and rumors of a possible work stoppage is pure speculation at this point. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the story (for now) is that the NHLPA constitution is publicly available on their website.  That may be a first in sports.

*  One of the greatest American born players of all-time, Chris Chelios, was honored before the Red Wings - Blackhawks game on Friday night.  Video of the ceremonies can be seen here.

[After the jump - notes on Bernier/Quick, San Jose Sharks, Mike Cammalleri, Matt Greene, Brayden Schenn, Manchester, injury updates, trade rumors and much more.]

Interview w/ Justin Kemp - Ontario Reign President

Minor league hockey sure has come a long way in Southern California. From a dilapidated building in San Diego during the 90's to games in front of just a few hundred fans inside Long Beach Arena as recently as a couple of years ago, the times they are a changing.

Later tonight the ECHL's Ontario Reign - proud affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings - will host the Stockton Thunder in the home opener of their 2010-11 season.  The arena will probably be packed, just as it has been since they played their first game there two seasons ago. 

They were second in league attendance during their inaugural campaign and topped that by leading the entire 19-team league last season.

Several players on the current roster of the Kings top minor league franchise, the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL, have previously played for the Reign - including goaltender Jeff Zatkoff, defenseman Colten Teubert and forward Bud Holloway.

The synergies between the Kings and their affiliates aren't just on the ice.  The team continues to strengthen their hockey presence and brand awareness by building a strong relationship with the Reign.

What better way to get things started tonight than to hear from the man in charge of the whole operation, Team President, Justin Kemp...

MM:  Given the past attempts to bring this level of hockey to Southern California - not to mention there are two NHL teams here now - are you surprised by the success you guys have had in Ontario?

Development Camp 2010 Wrap-Up

Today was the third and final scrimmage at the Kings annual Development Camp.

The teams have been the same all week...for the complete rosters click here.

While it was mostly "bigger names" that stole the headlines at Wednesday's scrimmage (i.e. Holloway, Jones and Weal), some of today's highlights belonged to non-roster, camp invitees.

Zach Harnden, an undrafted winger out of the OHL, started the scoring.  He beat highly-touted prospect Martin Jones to put Team Black up 1-0.  It was a nice shot, from his knee (ala Cammi) about 10' to the left of Jones.

About five minutes later, Samuel Groulx (an '08 pick by the Sharks), scored to make it 2-0 Black.

At half time (there are only two periods for scrimmage games), three things had become obvious:

1) Sean Bonar, a goalie who wasn't selected at last weekend's NHL draft, looked much better today.  As I reported on Wednesday, he looked dazed and confused in the first scrimmage - wasn't seeing the puck well, was giving up bad rebounds, etc.  Well, he bounced back in a big way today.  You could see he was playing with more confidence...and it grew as the game went on.

2) Oscar Moller came to play.  Right from the opening faceoff he was flying.  He was very fast and extremely creative with the puck.  One thing that's impressive when you watch Moller is, despite his size, he just keeps coming back for more and more punishment.  I'm sure he's heard the "you need to work hard every shift to make it in the NHL" mantra, yet I just don't see a place for him on the Kings.  He's not a top-6 guy and his size makes him a waste on the 4th line.

3) Nicolas Deslauriers is under-rated when most people talk about the Kings young defensive prospects.  Guys like Teubert, Hickey and Voynov may be the names on most people's minds.  However, don't overlook the '09 3rd rounder and former Luc Robitaille award winner.  He had a strong rookie camp last September and has looked sharp this week too...very smooth with the puck and reads the play well.

Other notes of interest:

Think About This...

It's Thursday, so I know you all wish it was 24 hours from now...while you're sitting around waiting for your weekend to begin, in honor of the Game 7s this week, here are 7 things to think about today (besides the fact that I was able to make two baseball references in an article about hockey):

*  The Kings have been off work now for 18 days, yet they moved up in the draft last night.  With Montreal winning (8th seed in the East), the Canadiens will now draft later.  This has pushed the Kings up to #19 now, from #22 originally.  That's the little silver lining for all you Cammi fans who were steamed watching him advance another round. Or did you just accept it because you were happy Sid was eliminated?

* Manchester opened their third round series with Hershey last night and things didn't go so well.  Former first round draft pick Jonathan Bernier gave up four goals - not the norm for him this season.  One of the guys probably joining Bernier in LA next season, Andrei Loktionov, scored one of the Monarchs two goals in the loss.  Assisting on the goal was a guy that possibly could be joining them in LA next year, Kyle Clifford (his first pro point).  KC was a coach's pick as MVP of the prospects camp last September and he plans on making a strong push to become a King this fall.  He's a tough-as-nails winger and dropped the gloves late in the first period, another first in his pro career.  Now can he pick up his first goal when the Monarchs skate in game two tomorrow night?

Hey Bud, let's party...well, almost.

With their series tied 2-2, the Manchester Monarchs traveled to Worcester tonight for a pivotal game five match-up vs. the AHL's Sharks.

Ho, hum...another game, another shutout for Jonathan Bernier.

And then there's this little tidbit...Bud Holloway had ANOTHER game winner! This guy is playing out of his mind right now. The Monarchs have been victorious in seven playoff games this year, with Holloway picking up the game-winner in SIX of those!

Incredible? Amazing? Unbelievable? How about all of that and a little more...damn, Bud.

His goal was the only puck to find the back of the net the entire game.  Meanwhile, Bernier stopped 30 shots at the other end of the ice.  So, with their 1-0 victory, the Monarchs now hold a 3-2 lead in the second round series.

Holloway (3rd round) and Bernier (1st round) were both selected by the Kings in the 2006 NHL Draft, just a few months after Dean Lombardi was hired.  For now, they're polishing their resumes in Manchester.

Bud, Bernier and the boys will be looking to party hard on Friday night. A win at home and the series is over.

To view video highlights from last night's game, courtesy of the AHL, click here.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119

Hey Bud, What's Your Problem?

If you were around in the early 80s, you know all about today's headline...taken from a classic movie that helped launch Sean Penn's career - Fast Times at Ridgemont High.

In turn, perhaps these are the playoffs that launch the career of Kings prospect Bud Holloway. Drafted in the third round, just months after Dean Lombardi was hired in 2006, he's on fire with Manchester right now.

The Monarchs have won five games in the AHL playoffs this spring...Holloway has scored the game winner in all of them!

A few guys taken before him have received more press - names like Bernier and Trevor Lewis...and his former teammate with the Seattle Thunderbirds, Thomas Hickey, received more pub when he was taken by Lombardi in the first round the following year...yet, Holloway has consistently just been biding his time and putting up points.

He finished his junior career by posting the third most goals in the WHL (2007-08).  Last year he started the season with Manchester and scored a goal in his debut.  He later made his way to Southern California...just not to play with the Kings, being sent down to the ECHL's Ontario Reign.  The 6' winger was perhaps the best player in Ontario, including leading the team in points and assists during the playoffs.

After this season he'll have one year remaining on his three-year entry level contract.

Holloway lead the Monarchs in points this season...and now has points in six straight playoff games.

He'll be looking for more Friday night when the Monarchs and the Worcester Sharks lace 'em up for game three of their second round series.

Aloha!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119


note: the official recap of the game can be found on the Monarchs website.

...and if you're having a bad day or in need of a good laugh, click here to see a 2 minute clip of Spicoli meeting Mr. Hand for the first time.

Manchester Mondays: All Star Edition

What are you looking for in this week's AHL prospects report - first round draft picks? all star notes? stats? We have it all.

The AHL - one of the top feeder systems to the NHL - will be holding its annual All Star Game tomorrow night in Portland, Maine. That's where the Pirates play, the Buffalo Sabres AHL affiliate.

In advance of tomorrow's game the AHL will put on a Skills Competition later this afternoon, featuring events such as the fastest skater, the hardest shot and accuracy shooting. The event will start at 5pm PST and can be seen on several of the Fox Sports stations carried on DirecTV.

As for the game itself - well, it's scheduled to start at 3pm PST Tuesday afternoon and can be seen on the NHL Network (DirecTV channel 215). The Kings AHL affiliate, the Manchester Monarchs, will be represented on a variety of levels. Monarchs head coach Mark Morris and assistant Scott Pellerin will head the PlanetUSA team (for those unfamiliar, the AHL uses a PlanetUSA vs. Team Canada format for the All Star Game) and two players made the rosters - goaltender Jonathan Bernier (Team Canada) and defenseman Viatcheslav Voynov (PlanetUSA - which is actually a mix of U.S. and non-North American players...I know, don't ask).

Bernier was the Kings first round draft pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. He's played four games with the big club, including picking up a win versus Anaheim when the two teams opened in London a few years ago. For the last two seasons he's played in Manchester, where he currently leads the AHL in most of the goaltending stats.

Voynov was selected by the Kings in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. He joined Manchester last year after winning two straight bronze medals for Russia at the World Junior Championships (2008 & 2009). This season he leads all Monarchs defenseman with 8 goals and 16 assists. His offensive outburst also has him tied for second in the race for the overall team points lead.

In addition to Bernier, Team Canada's roster boasts five other NHL first-round draft picks - including Logan Couture and Tyler Ennis of the host Portland Pirates, the top two rookie scorers in the league. Meanwhile, the PlanetUSA roster features five former first-round NHL draft picks of its own - including John Carlson of the Hershey Bears, who was a big hero at the just completed World Junior Championships (read about it by clicking here).

Today's final note on the All Star Game is an interesting stat via an AHL press release: "Of the 492 players to take part in the AHL All-Star Classic since 1995, more than 94 percent have competed in the National Hockey League," including Dustin Brown, Dan Boyle, Zdeno Chara, Miikka Kiprusoff, Ryan Miller, Zach Parise, Bobby Ryan, Patrick Sharp and Eric Staal.

Needless to say, there will be an overwhelming amount of future NHL stars - some even superstars - competing in the AHL All Star Game festivities today and tomorrow.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Other Manchester notes:

The Monarchs are still in first place, leading the Atlantic division with 57 points after 44 games played. However, they're just a few points ahead of the Worcester Sharks and the Lowell Devils.

The top two players on the team (statistically speaking) to not be selected to this year's All Star Game would be Corey Elkins and Bud Holloway. Elkins was signed by the Kings as a free agent in March '09, after playing four years at Ohio State University. He's played three games with the Kings this season and is currently leading the Monarchs in goals (13) and points (29).

Holloway split time last season between the Monarchs and the Ontario Reign (ECHL), where he led the team in points in the playoffs. Originally taken in the 3rd round of the 2006 NHL Draft, he was also a teammate of Thomas Hickey (Kings first round pick in 2007, Dean Lombardi's first draft with the team) when both played for the Seattle Thunderbirds of the WHL. Bud is right behind Elkins in goals (12) and assists (24) after 40 games with the Monarchs this season.

Skills Competition Monday. All Star Game Tuesday. Then, the Monarchs return to action Friday night when they visit the Hartford Wolfpack.

One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119


EXTRA: There was a nice article on Jonathan Bernier that appeared this weekend on NESN.com. You can access it now by clicking here.

Dice show seven, Kings crap out

Coyotes 6, Kings 1

I'm sure its been said before, selecting the right prospect is a gamble. You bet big on one player or even a few players. It's a roll of the dice. You play the odds.

Whatever way you see it, Phoenix just abused the Kings' kids tonight on home ice (I guess that's what you call it). It was like watching tourists playing a game of street dice with seasoned New York hustlers.

Keeping the theme, changing the game...fortunately, this wasn't a situation where the Kings had pushed all of their chips into the pot for one final hand. Tonight was more like an early hand of a very long tournament. Something that will stretch over the next few years. Some of the "cards" will even be swapped out for new ones as time moves forward. Deuces will be dropped in the hopes of finding Aces...or should I say Kings? Either way, these Kings weren't even close to putting together a winning hand tonight.

Where should we begin? Well, at about the 45 second mark of the first period there was a stop in play near the Kings net minder (more on him later). A few feet away you see #37 Thomas Hickey give a long stare...and I mean long, like he was peering into his soul long...at #56 Jeff May of the Coyotes. This wasn't a Spicoli "Hey, I know that dude!" look. It was more like "I want to make sure I get a good look at you now because you won't look the same later." Or it was a "Look at me fool and remember my face...I'm the guy that's going to wreck your evening." Either way, you knew it was on right then and there.

Around the 3:20 mark #80 Nicolas Deslauriers serves up a HEAVY shot from the point. This was one of many pucks to be turned away by a young Phoenix goalie tonight. BTW - did anybody check to make sure that wasn't Ilya Bryzgalov in net for the Yotes tonight?

Back to Hickey...Near the 4:45 mark Hickey gets hit hard. In rides 'Mr Nasty', #79 Colten Teubert, to the rescue. He proceeds to beat on Coyotes' #36 Jared Staal. Teubert just didn't want to let it go when it was over though. Even with both guys being held back by officials, 'Mr. Nasty' was still swinging - and connecting with a few pitter patters.

The real problems started a little more than a minute later. Desert Dog #52 Chad Koalarik scored the first of his team's SIX goals. Out on the ice with him was his former Michigan line mate, Kevin Porter (wearing #23). Too bad Jack Johnson wasn't in the house. They could have had a little Go Big Blue moment or something.

It's half way though the first now and Kings camper #50 Bud Holloway is turning over pucks, out of position and generally not looking good.

12:00 LA #71 Jordan Nolan pounds Phx #51 Justin Bernhardt into the ice...after first checking him into the penalty box.

30 seconds later you would have thought Phx #50 Lucas Bloodoff was in the mood to fight the way he went after LA #64 Kyle Clifford. However, he was just holding him, so Clifford beat him up for even thinking about it.

A few minutes later we have a new problem. LA #77 Dennis McCauley gets a hooking penalty. Usually not that big of a deal. Yet, we have three guys in a two man penalty box. Now what? Are we about to relive the night Granato had to sit on Sandstrom's lap when they ran out of room in the Forum penalty box? Fortunately, they worked it out like men.

As the second period started...and as the game moved on...one Kings player started to emerge from his shell. LA #48 Andrei Loktionov must have found a jet pack during the first intermission. This guy was so fast. Up, down, sideways. He brought the hustle and was definitely trying to make things happen offensively.  Perhaps the mentoring he's receiving from Igor Larionov is paying off.

Another little bright spot was when the Kings scored. Not the goal itself, but the actions of #85 Geoff Walker - who assisted on the goal. After the ceremonial skate by the LA bench for high fives from his team mates, he skates down to his goalie and gives him a little tap. I like that. This fairly common practice in the minors is often dropped by guys in the NHL for reasons I don't fully understand. That guy in the net is on your team too. He deserves to be part of the celebration.

Hickey began ratcheting things up in the second too. First he manhandled Porter at the blue line to get control of the puck. Minutes later he headed toward his own net with complete disregard for his body as he tried to prevent Phoenix from scoring.

Then I noticed something odd. Phx #23 Porter is wearing a "C". Now, sure, he was the captain at Michigan...but, this is a prospects scrimmage game. Wait. Phx #39 Maclean and #24 Ahnelov are both wearing an "A". What? How did this happen? Now, rumor is, that the Coyotes rode the bus in this morning from Phoenix.  Seriously.

I guess that's what happens when your team is going through bankruptcy.

That's a long drive. And things get boring once you're about an hour outside of Phoenix. So, maybe there was some sort of road-trip-bus-ride contest involved...you know, whoever spots the most slug bugs before they stop at In-N-Out in Palm Springs gets the "C" or something. Maybe the guy that holds his pee the whole way gets an "A". Who knows.

Third period was more of the same. Coyotes rolling. The Kings out of position. And the Kings featuring a statue in net. Yes, LA #65 Martin Jones was the definition of stationary. He conserved movement so much he might still be standing there in goal at this very moment.

I wonder if Jones will go all Cloutier and claim that he was left out there to be embarrassed. For that mater, I wonder if the Kings even had a second goalie suited up. I never saw one. Seems weird though. There had to be one somewhere...right?

Oh yeah, I almost forgot...before this thing finally ended we also had the battle of the Jeffs...or was it the battle of the Geoffs...as LA #85 Geoff Walker battled with Phx #56 Jeff May. Yes, that guy again!

Like a bad night of gambling in Vegas, I'm licking my wounds. Headed to my room for a night of rest. Then I'll be back again tomorrow testing the odds and hoping for a better outcome.

I'll put $10 on the Yo and hope the Kings don't crap out again.

The Mayor
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