VIDEO: Johnson post-game vs LA - 'I wanted to get this win'

Jack Johnson continued his hot play of late for Columbus last night. With his tenth goal of the season, he now has goals in back-to-back games and points in three straight for his new club. After the Blue Jackets downed the Kings 3-1, he sounded like a guy taking a few subtle shots at his time in LA as much as he was pumping up his current environment...

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Matt Greene and Dustin Brown pre-game comments

Daryl Evans previews Kings/Carter vs. Blue Jackets/Johnson

Doughty on the Kings trading Jack Johnson to Columbus

Jack Johnson reacts to the trade

Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter and not Rick Nash

Greene on Blue Jackets, Westgarth on tonight's 1st goal contest

Tonight marks the fourth and final meeting between the Kings and Blue Jackets this season, but none of the prior games had the same feeling as this one. Of course, the big story line coming in surrounds Jeff Carter and Jack Johnson. However, Columbus can't be taken lightly, they've won three in a row and the records for the two teams are pretty similar since February 1st - the Jackets have gone 8-7-1 and the Kings 7-7-2.

Columbus has only managed one win in the previous three games vs LA this year, it was a 1-0 victory in LA in early January. That was the Kings only regulation loss in the first month of Darryl Sutter's tenure behind the bench.

Defenseman Matt Greene shared these comments with MayorsManor about tonight's game...

"They have some juice right now," he began. "They have guys who are playing for roster spots and playing hard. I've been in that situation. They're not giveaway games. Guys are getting ready for next year, tyring to solidify their spot on the roster. It's going to be another tough game."

Here's Dustin Brown on the match-up...

"When a big trade like that happens, everybody understands everything surround the game. But, at the same time, I think everybody understands, it's pretty minor in comparison to (us getting) two points at this time of the year," said LA's captain. "In Columbus, the headlines might be about Jeff Carter coming back, but for this team it has to be about winning the game."

As for who will help get the Kings on the scoreboard first, Kevin Westgarth predicts it will be Drew Doughty picking up LA's first marker of the evening.

If you'd like to participate in the MayorsManor First Goal contest, we'll be giving away a free pair of tickets to an upcoming Kings home game. It's easy to play, simply leave a comment below with the LA player you think will score first vs. the Blue Jackets...or reply to the facebook / twitter updates that will be posted around 4:00pm. All correct answers will be pooled together and one random winner will be awarded the tickets. Good luck!

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

MayorsManor LIVE - Stoll, Westgarth and Mitchell share funny Jack Johnson stories

Daryl Evans previews Kings/Carter vs. Blue Jackets/Johnson

What I've learned so far this season... by Matt Greene

2011-12 Season Predictions - timing is everything

Daryl Evans previews LA Kings Carter vs CBJ Johnson

LA Kings radio commentator Daryl Evans helps preview tonight's game vs. Columbus. As you'd expect, much of the talk has to do with Jeff Carter and Jack Johnson.

Click here if you want to see what Johnson - now wearing number seven - had to say after scoring his first goal in a Blue Jackets jersey the other night. At the end of the video he also refers to tonight's match-up as 'just a game.'

Also, on last night's MayorsManor LIVE show, we featured Jarret Stoll, Willie Mitchell and Kevin Westgarth sharing some funny stories about Johnson.  If you missed it, click here to listen to the replay now.

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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

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

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

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.

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
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Jack Johnson on his preferences, rumors and what's next

Jack Johnson (photo: M. Zampelli)

Rumors are just that...rumors. Although many hockey fans cling to much of what they read at this time of year as gospel truth - or at the very least, as scenarios having a high probability of happening - the fact remains more often than not, the talked about deals never see the light of day.

"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."

Why the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter, not Rick Nash

To properly understand the argument that the LA Kings should trade for Jeff Carter over Rick Nash, first requires an open mind. Second, fans of any of the players mentioned below are encouraged to follow along using more of their minds and less of their hearts. This isn't about who is a nicer guy, which player is a fan favorite or anything else. This is about cold, hard distribution of company assets.

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.

Doughty and Johnson make predictions - plus ticket contest

Tonight marks game five of the Kings-Coyotes six-game season series. Three of the four played so far have been decided by one goal and two have been shutout wins for LA. Additionally, the teams sit seventh and eighth in the Western Conference standings, separated by only two points.

Defenseman Jack Johnson sizes things up for us...

"Phoenix has been a tough team for us to play against. For whatever reason, we've had some really tough game with them. They're a team who plays well within their structure. They're not an easy team to play against, that's probably the best way to put it. At times, they can lull you to sleep. It might not be the most exciting game for fans to watch, but it's definitely going to be a difficult game to get two points from."

As for who will score first for the Kings tonight, Johnson added - "Mike Richards. Cameras will be on him, hopefully he gets it. I'll be pulling for him to get one."

Good luck to him. Richards has one goal in the last 22 games. His odds improve when looking at his nine career games vs. the Coyotes, where Richards has scored three goals - including one earlier this season.

Trade Rumors - five things at play for the LA Kings

In less than two weeks, most fans will turn their attention back to the action on the ice. For now, it seems all everybody wants to talk about are trade rumors. Who's leaving, who's staying, what would it cost to get this guy or that guy?

Here's a quick recap of the five things in play for the Kings at the moment:

- One of the most valuable assets the Kings have to bargain with is Jonathan Bernier. He's a young goalie, former first round pick and (in limited action) appears to be everything you can build a franchise around. However, trading him away is also one of the riskiest moves GM Dean Lombardi can make. Jonathan Quick is an unrestricted free agent next summer (July 2013) and he's an east coast guy. Would he rather play for a team closer to home? Also, his career numbers are almost identical to Nashville's Pekka Rinne - who recently signed a seven year deal for $7-million per. Can the Kings afford to pay him that much? Trading Bernier now increases Quick's leverage in negotiations down the road and exposes the Kings if he was to walk away in a year.  Even so, as risky as it is, he's likely moving if Lombardi can land a sniper in a return. Any deal like that though would need to include other players because, with as talented as Bernier may be, he's still only played 43 games in the NHL. And you're not getting a top line forward straight up for a guy with 'potential.'

- If Bernier was to leave in a trade, expect the Kings to get a veteran back-up in return (either via that same deal or a separate one). It's highly unlikely you'll see either Manchester goalie as Quick's understudy come playoff time.

Jonathan Quick not getting much support, even on off day

While Canadians proudly proclaim hockey is their sport, few things are as American as the Super Bowl. Whether you're gathering with friends today to watch the game, the commercials or just eat a bunch of food, the game has nearly turned into a national holiday. Football fan or not, it's hard to escape the hype surrounding the biggest sporting event of the year. So, who are the Kings favoring today...

Jonathan Quick - "27-24 Giants!"

Drew Doughty - "I want the Pats to win. I kind of have a few things going with some of the guys on the team. Quickie is a big Giants fan. So, I have to make sure I'm able to rub that in."

Jack Johnson - "Patriots. I think Eli (Manning) is great, I like him. Yet, when push comes to shove, I have a hard time betting against Tom Brady. I hope it's not a low scoring game though. I'd like to see a little bit of a shootout, that makes things more interesting."

Matt Greene - "Patriots. The total points in the game will be 67."

Rob Scuderi thinks it going to be a high scoring game too - "I'll take the Patriots. I don't care about the score, as long as it ends up to 57 (total points) or over."

So, three guys from one of the stingiest defenses in the National Hockey League are looking for an offensive explosion in the Super Bowl?

Fine, how about the forwards - what do they think?

Pregame comments from the Kings, plus tonight's ticket contest

Last hour we heard from Dustin Brown in advance of tonight's Kings vs Blue Jackets match-up. Here, we went around the locker room and gathered additional comments from a few others...

Anze Kopitar - "We have to worry about ourselves. We know if we bring our 'A' game to the table, I like our chances. That's the big thing. We have to worry about our game and the rest will come."

Matt Greene - "We have to be ready to work. They work real hard and we have to be ready to match whatever they put into it. They're a gritty team and we have to make sure it's a tough game and be ready right away. We can't wait to ease ourselves into it."

Jack Johnson - "Teams that are so-called 'out of it' have nothing to lose. So, sometimes they're dangerous to play against - just like Edmonton is a dangerous team because they have nothing to lose. If things are going right for them during the night, they're tough. Even when you're out of it, teams have a lot of pride and individual pride. So, they're going to play hard. But, we have to make sure we keep getting points to stay in the playoffs."

POLL: Who was the Kings Player of the Month for January?

With the All-Star break now behind us, it's time to look ahead towards February - when the Kings return to the ice tomorrow night vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets. However, before we do, let's first open up the polls to determine who was the Kings Player of the Month for January.

Overall, the Kings went 5-2-4 in 11 games last month, including a 3-2-3 record at home and 2-0-1 on the road. As for individual stats, try these brain teasers out to get the juices flowing...

- Which King led the team in shots on goal? No, he wasn't a center. Justin Williams paced the team with 39 SOG, eight more than Koptiar.

- Which player on the second line had the most goals - Dustin Penner, Mike Richards or Jarret Stoll? None, or all, depending on how you look at it. They each had one goal. Penner led the way with 21 shots (and played one fewer game than his linemates).

- Kyle Clifford had the second most penalty minutes in January (30). Who had the most? Richards with 31. And who was third? Drew Doughty with 20. Not what you want to see from two of your best players.

OK, enough is enough. How about some nominees for the Kings' January Player of the Month...

Dustin Brown - tied for the team goal lead (4) and produced the most hits (41) in January

Drew Doughty - led all defensemen with six assists and was a team best plus-7

Jack Johnson - most goals by a defensemen (3) and only one back from the team lead, led all d-men in shots (26), had only four penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating

Anze Kopitar - tied for the team goal lead (4) and was second in points (9)

Jonathan Quick - started ten of the team's 11 games, posting a 4-2-4 record with one shutout and five games where he only gave up one goal - giving him a goals-against average well under 2.00

Justin Williams - Led the team in assists (7), points (10), power play goals (3) and shots (39), was also tied for second in goals (3), just one back of Brown and Kopitar




Poll closes Wednesday 2/1 at 5pm PST.

The Mayor
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NHL12: The Mayor vs Penner and Johnson - results are in

In an article the other day, where we did mock All-Star Game drafts with several of the Kings, Dustin Penner wanted to know if the teams selected were going to be loaded into NHL12 to see who would win. Although that wasn't part of the plan, a longtime MayorsManor reader emailed to let us know he in fact did it. So, the results are available - with scoring summaries, goalie stats, video highlights and even the three-star selections...

First up, here's how things went in the game vs. Jack Johnson:

Team Johnson				Team Mayor
Pavel Datsyuk		F		Steven Stamkos
Patrick Kane		F		John Tavares
Phil Kessel		F		Claude Giroux
Ryan Suter		D		Kimmo Timonen
Dion Phaneuf		D		Shea Weber
Tim Thomas		G		Henrik Lundqvist

Period	1	2	3	OT	Total
Team Johnson	1	5	2	0	8
Team Mayor	3	1	1	0	5

Scoring Summary

ASG 2012: Johnson, Westgarth, Penner take on The Mayor

Later tonight, Daniel Alfredsson and Zdeno Chara will draft their All-Star teams from a group of 38 NHL players, live on TV. After watching the inaugural event last season, it definitely put a unique twist on things. No other sport does such a thing. And for a change, that's a good thing for the NHL.

By now, you've probably already read the mock draft we did with Alfredsson earlier this week. Here, we turn to a few of the Kings players.

First up, Jack Johnson. The rules in drafting our teams were simple. Jonathan Quick was ineligible and we alternated selections, with Johnson getting the first pick. Here's how it went down...

Team Johnson				Team Mayor
Pavel Datsyuk		F		Steven Stamkos
Patrick Kane		F		John Tavares
Phil Kessel		F		Claude Giroux
Ryan Suter		D		Kimmo Timonen
Dion Phaneuf		D		Shea Weber
Tim Thomas		G		Henrik Lundqvist

Next up was Dustin Penner, who apparently wanted to sneak in as many of his former Ducks teammates as possible...

With Quick away, what are the other Kings doing?

Last season, the Kings had only four days off for the NHL All-Star Game. While they may not have been much time, several players took the opportunity to get out of LA. For example, Kyle Clifford flew back to Toronto to see some family. Taking a shorter trip was Matt Greene, who went out to Pioneertown.

So, with Jonathan Quick away for this weekend's festivities in Ottawa, what are some of his teammates doing? Let's take a quick lap around the locker room and find out...

Kevin Westgarth - "A friend of mine is getting married and I'm in the wedding. So, I'm heading there. It's very exciting actually because it's great to be able to make it to any one of your friends weddings. It'll also be a little relaxation and a change of scenery, which is great. I think everybody is looking forward to a little rest. We've been getting pounded pretty good with the games and the travel. Even with the homestands lately, it's been a pretty good grind. A little time off to recharge the batteries will be good for everybody."

Rob Scuderi - "We just had another baby, so it's kind of tough to go anywhere. We'll just stay local and relax and enjoy the time."

Clifford - "I'm going to keep it real low key, not a whole lot going on. I might head home for a couple days. I haven't really decided yet. I just want to stay focused with what we have going here...but definitely get some rest."

Colin Fraser - "Going away with my wife to a snowy climate for some relaxation."

VIDEO: Highlights of Kings 4-1 win vs Ottawa Senators

Led by Kyle Clifford's first Gordie Howe hat trick, the Kings downed the Senators 4-1 tonight and improved their record to 11-1-1 vs. Ottawa. The video below includes some great saves by Jonathan Quick, Trevor Lewis taking a penalty shot - plus goals by Willie Mitchell, Clifford and Jack Johnson.

If you'd like to watch Clifford's first period fight with Zenon Konopeka, click here.

Daniel Alfredsson, who stopped by MayorsManor prior to the game to discuss the Kings and the upcoming All Stat Game (link), scored the lone Ottawa goal.

We'll have post-game notes and quotes up early in the morning

The Mayor
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LA's Jack Johnson on the 'creative and unpredictable' Avs

Earlier today we posted comments from coach Darryl Sutter, who pointed out the Kings have out shot the Avs by a wide margin this season, but have lost both games. Tonight marks game three of the four-game season series.

In sharp contrast to Brad Richardson - who seems to love playing against his former team - Jack Johnson has only recorded points in one home game vs Colorado in his career (two assists on February 13, 2010).

Prior to tonight's contest I asked him if the speed of the Avs was their number one asset?

"I don't know if that really pops in my head. They're a team that for some reason, they've been a tough team for us this year. I think they have some talented young forwards, for sure. I think that's the strength of their team - their young forwards up front. They're creative and unpredictable, that makes for some dangerous moments in a hockey game.

Now, a few weeks ago Dustin Brown correctly picked Drew Doughty to score the first goal of the game vs. Phoenix. Who does Johnson think will light the lamp first tonight for LA?

"I'll go with Justin Williams, he's been hot lately."

If you want to get in on the MayorsManor First Goal Contest, be sure to leave a comment below or post something on the official facebook/twitter links that will go up about 30 minutes before game time. One random winner from all entries received tonight will win a free pair of tickets to Monday's game vs. the Senators.

In the meantime, to read more about Brad Richardson - the human avalanche - click here.

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