A few pregame notes on tonight's Kings-Flames match-up at The Stapler...
- LA has beaten Calgary three straight games at home, all by the final score of 2-1.
- Curtis Glencross, the Flames leading goal scorer (with 18) was sent back to Calgary after suffering a lower body injury in San Jose on Tuesday.
- The Flames are expected to have four former Kings in the line-up tonight (and it could have been five if Raitis Ivanans wasn't sent back to the minors a few weeks ago). Their projected line combos are:
Mike Cammalleri - Mikael Backlund - Jarome Iginla
Blake Comeau - Olli Jokinen - Tim Jackman
Tom Kostopolous - Blair Jones - Lee Stempniak
Lance Bouma - Roman Horak - Matt Stajan
Note: The Flames played with a extra defenseman vs the Sharks. If they do that again tonight, Horak will likely be scratched in favor of Anton Babchuk.
- Miikka Kiprusoff will start for the Flames and the Kings will counter with Jonathan Quick in net. Kipper is 17-8-3 lifetime vs. LA, with a 2.17 goals-against average. However, at Staples Center he's only 6-5-2. Quick is 5-3-0 vs the Flames overall, with a stellar 1.84 GAA.
- Coach Darryl Sutter is not expected to make any line-up changes tonight, so expect to see the following line combos:
Dustin Brown - Anze Kopitar - Justin Williams
Dustin Penner - Mike Richards - Jarret Stoll
Brad Richardson - Andrei Loktionov - Trevor Lewis
Kyle Clifford - Colin Fraser - Trent Hunter
Finally, we'll be giving away a free pair of tickets in tonight's MayorsManor First Goal contest. It's easy to play, simply leave a comment below with the LA player you think will score first vs. the Flames...or reply to the facebook / twitter updates that will come out around 6:30pm. All correct answers will be pooled together and one random winner will get a pair of tickets to see the Kings and Avalanche on Saturday night. Good luck!
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Showing posts with label Jokinen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jokinen. Show all posts
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Mike Richards trade for Simmonds and Schenn revisited
In the 40-plus year history of the Los Angeles Kings franchise, there have been some pretty big trades. Obviously, none bigger than a deal that went down in August 1988 with the Edmonton Oilers.
However, several moves since then have also created some earthquake like tremors within the LA hockey community. For example, just before the Kings relocated to their new arena downtown in 1999, they traded away prized prospect Olli Jokinen in a package with the Islanders to land Ziggy Palffy.
A few years later, the most controversial trade (by far) saw future Hall of Famer Rob Blake shipped out to the Colorado Avalanche.
Since then, deals to acquire Roman Cechmanek (2003), Jeremy Roenick (2005), Jack Johnson (2006), Ryan Smyth (2009) and Dustin Penner (2011) have been some of the bigger moves. [Ironically, the two trades on that list that worked out the worst for the Kings were both made with the Flyers.]
Yet, it's been a long time since the Kings were involved in something that sent shockwaves through the NHL like this summer's blockbuster deal to bring Philadelphia captain Mike Richards to LA in exchange for Wayne Simmonds and the number one rated prospect in all of hockey, Brayden Schenn.
In a game that fans on both coasts immediately circled on their calenders moments later, the Kings will meet up with the Flyers later this afternoon for the only time this season. In honor of what should be a near-playoff like atmosphere, here's a look back at ten of the most popular articles posted on MayorsManor stemming from the trade and a few more about the players involved...
- Mike Richards already has ideas to help the LA Kings power play
However, several moves since then have also created some earthquake like tremors within the LA hockey community. For example, just before the Kings relocated to their new arena downtown in 1999, they traded away prized prospect Olli Jokinen in a package with the Islanders to land Ziggy Palffy.
A few years later, the most controversial trade (by far) saw future Hall of Famer Rob Blake shipped out to the Colorado Avalanche.
Since then, deals to acquire Roman Cechmanek (2003), Jeremy Roenick (2005), Jack Johnson (2006), Ryan Smyth (2009) and Dustin Penner (2011) have been some of the bigger moves. [Ironically, the two trades on that list that worked out the worst for the Kings were both made with the Flyers.]
Yet, it's been a long time since the Kings were involved in something that sent shockwaves through the NHL like this summer's blockbuster deal to bring Philadelphia captain Mike Richards to LA in exchange for Wayne Simmonds and the number one rated prospect in all of hockey, Brayden Schenn.
In a game that fans on both coasts immediately circled on their calenders moments later, the Kings will meet up with the Flyers later this afternoon for the only time this season. In honor of what should be a near-playoff like atmosphere, here's a look back at ten of the most popular articles posted on MayorsManor stemming from the trade and a few more about the players involved...
- Mike Richards already has ideas to help the LA Kings power play
Monday, March 21, 2011
Calgary Flames at LA Kings - Revisiting a Rivalry
For fans that have only been following the Kings since their move downtown to Staples Center, tonight's game doesn't mean much - other than the two points at stake in the Western Conference.
However, for long time fans, a game against the Flames stirs emotions from nearly 20 years ago when Calgary versus Los Angeles was one that everybody circled on their calendar.
After the Kings traded for Wayne Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games.
Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA though...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off a first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers (a thrilling 7 game series). Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. Take a look - it's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
However, for long time fans, a game against the Flames stirs emotions from nearly 20 years ago when Calgary versus Los Angeles was one that everybody circled on their calendar.
After the Kings traded for Wayne Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games.
Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA though...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off a first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers (a thrilling 7 game series). Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. Take a look - it's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
Friday, December 10, 2010
Restoring 45's Cool Factor
Number 45 was supposed to have significant meaning to the Kings this year.
Only seven players in the 40-plus year history of the franchise have worn that number on their jersey. Of that group, just one had any sort of prominence - center Sandy Moger in 1997-98. And 'prominence' is definitely too strong of a word.
Jonathan Bernier was to change all of that this season.
He was to have a coming out party between the pipes like nobody in this town has ever seen. The only question some people seemed to have was how long would it be before he took over the starting goaltending job from the other Jonathan, Quick.
Well, plans change.
Coach Terry Murray has taken an eraser to his "penciled in" goaltending schedule and looks to be going with the vintage "Play Quick A Lot" approach from a season ago. So far, it's working.
Yet, while Bernier sits idle, the Kings toasted a new '45' last night. They killed off their 45th straight power play at home before giving up a late third period score to the Flames.
No problem, the streak stops at 45 and the number's good name has been restored.
There's still time for Bernier. Until then though, 45 can be associated with an awesome ride by the penalty kill.
Besides, how fitting was it that the streak was broken by a former King, Olli Jokinen. Like Bernier, when drafted he was thought to be the future of the franchise. Instead, he was traded for Ziggy Palffy after a little more than one season with the team.
Perhaps equally as fitting was having the game winning goal come from Anze Kopitar - the guy who's ended up becoming that franchise center that Jokinen was never given the chance to be in LA.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Only seven players in the 40-plus year history of the franchise have worn that number on their jersey. Of that group, just one had any sort of prominence - center Sandy Moger in 1997-98. And 'prominence' is definitely too strong of a word.
Jonathan Bernier was to change all of that this season.
He was to have a coming out party between the pipes like nobody in this town has ever seen. The only question some people seemed to have was how long would it be before he took over the starting goaltending job from the other Jonathan, Quick.
Well, plans change.
Coach Terry Murray has taken an eraser to his "penciled in" goaltending schedule and looks to be going with the vintage "Play Quick A Lot" approach from a season ago. So far, it's working.
Yet, while Bernier sits idle, the Kings toasted a new '45' last night. They killed off their 45th straight power play at home before giving up a late third period score to the Flames.
No problem, the streak stops at 45 and the number's good name has been restored.
There's still time for Bernier. Until then though, 45 can be associated with an awesome ride by the penalty kill.
Besides, how fitting was it that the streak was broken by a former King, Olli Jokinen. Like Bernier, when drafted he was thought to be the future of the franchise. Instead, he was traded for Ziggy Palffy after a little more than one season with the team.
Perhaps equally as fitting was having the game winning goal come from Anze Kopitar - the guy who's ended up becoming that franchise center that Jokinen was never given the chance to be in LA.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Thursday, December 9, 2010
STAT CHECK - LA vs CALGARY
Besides the two points, losing to Calgary in the second game of the year meant little in the big picture. It was a throw away game, coming on the second night of a back to back weekend series. More importantly, it came after an emotionally charged opening night in Vancouver just 24 hours prior.
This Kings team isn't filled with Gretzky, Robitaille and Blake. They don't hate the Flames, circa 1990. After making the playoffs last season for the first time in eight years - and the first time ever for most of the team - losing to the Canucks is what hurt. Thus, that's the game that's going to get them up this season.
So, that was the excuse last time.
How about the other games over the last few years, where the Kings have dropped 14 of 17 to the Flames?
Other stats to consider...
* Jarome Iginla - for all the talk a few weeks ago that he was about to be traded, perhaps even to the Kings, he's still with the Flames. In 20 career games at Staples Center he has 23 points (13g, 10a).
* Olli Jokinen - he's one of those players that "newer" Kings fans probably don't have a connection to. For those unfamiliar, think Brayden Schenn 10+ years ago. At the 1997 NHL Draft the Kings selected him third overall, behind only Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. He was supposed to be a a big time center with tons of promise. Instead of being the guy in LA for the next decade, he was traded for Ziggy Palffy a few months before the Kings moved downtown. In 10 career games at Staples Center he has seven points (4g, 3a).
* Alex Tanguay - he's a big fan of MayorsManor. Enough said.
* For all the talk about the weird schedule this year, how about last year - where the Kings played the Flames three times over a 10 game stretch in December? Was that really necessary? LA went 1-2 with their only win coming at Staples Center on December 7 by a 2-1 final. That was the Kings’ first victory over Calgary since February 2008.
* Their overall power play percentages are nearly dead-even, 14.6% for LA and 14.9% for Calgary. However, LA's penalty kill is much better, 86.6% compared to 83.3, including a perfect 43-for-43 at home.
* Justin Williams has arguably been the Kings' best player this season. How has he fared against the Flames? In 11 career games he has just one goal...and one assist to keep that goal from getting too lonely in the stats column.
* How about Dustin Brown? Well, #23 has played 23 career games vs. the Flames and produced just nine points (3g, 6a). Only one of his three goals has come at Staples Center. However, he did have the lone goal against them earlier this year in Calgary. So, that's somewhat encouraging.
* Ryan Smyth has 20 goals in 71 games vs. the Flames. Yet, most of those came when he was an Oiler. Not to mention, 12 of the 20 have come at the Saddledome.
* Kopitar, you say? Anze has found success against the Flames, with 14 points (7g, 7a) in 17 career games.
Regardless of the stats listed above, this game will more than likely come down to goaltending. Jonathan Quick and Miikka Kiprusoff are two of the best in the Western Conference. History suggests it will be tough to get the puck by either of them.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Remembering a Rivalry - Kings vs. Flames (w/ video of one of the best Kings goals ever scored)
Painting By Numbers With Ryan Smyth - his thoughts on key milestone games
The Complete Story on Brayden Schenn
Kings-Flames - A Playoff Preview? - published December 2009
Kings-Flames - By The Numbers - published December 2009
.
This Kings team isn't filled with Gretzky, Robitaille and Blake. They don't hate the Flames, circa 1990. After making the playoffs last season for the first time in eight years - and the first time ever for most of the team - losing to the Canucks is what hurt. Thus, that's the game that's going to get them up this season.
So, that was the excuse last time.
How about the other games over the last few years, where the Kings have dropped 14 of 17 to the Flames?
Other stats to consider...
* Jarome Iginla - for all the talk a few weeks ago that he was about to be traded, perhaps even to the Kings, he's still with the Flames. In 20 career games at Staples Center he has 23 points (13g, 10a).
* Olli Jokinen - he's one of those players that "newer" Kings fans probably don't have a connection to. For those unfamiliar, think Brayden Schenn 10+ years ago. At the 1997 NHL Draft the Kings selected him third overall, behind only Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. He was supposed to be a a big time center with tons of promise. Instead of being the guy in LA for the next decade, he was traded for Ziggy Palffy a few months before the Kings moved downtown. In 10 career games at Staples Center he has seven points (4g, 3a).
* Alex Tanguay - he's a big fan of MayorsManor. Enough said.
* For all the talk about the weird schedule this year, how about last year - where the Kings played the Flames three times over a 10 game stretch in December? Was that really necessary? LA went 1-2 with their only win coming at Staples Center on December 7 by a 2-1 final. That was the Kings’ first victory over Calgary since February 2008.
* Their overall power play percentages are nearly dead-even, 14.6% for LA and 14.9% for Calgary. However, LA's penalty kill is much better, 86.6% compared to 83.3, including a perfect 43-for-43 at home.
* Justin Williams has arguably been the Kings' best player this season. How has he fared against the Flames? In 11 career games he has just one goal...and one assist to keep that goal from getting too lonely in the stats column.
* How about Dustin Brown? Well, #23 has played 23 career games vs. the Flames and produced just nine points (3g, 6a). Only one of his three goals has come at Staples Center. However, he did have the lone goal against them earlier this year in Calgary. So, that's somewhat encouraging.
* Ryan Smyth has 20 goals in 71 games vs. the Flames. Yet, most of those came when he was an Oiler. Not to mention, 12 of the 20 have come at the Saddledome.
* Kopitar, you say? Anze has found success against the Flames, with 14 points (7g, 7a) in 17 career games.
Regardless of the stats listed above, this game will more than likely come down to goaltending. Jonathan Quick and Miikka Kiprusoff are two of the best in the Western Conference. History suggests it will be tough to get the puck by either of them.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Remembering a Rivalry - Kings vs. Flames (w/ video of one of the best Kings goals ever scored)
Painting By Numbers With Ryan Smyth - his thoughts on key milestone games
The Complete Story on Brayden Schenn
Kings-Flames - A Playoff Preview? - published December 2009
Kings-Flames - By The Numbers - published December 2009
.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Revisiting a Rivalry - Flames vs. Kings
For fans that have only been following the Kings since their move downtown to Staples Center, today's game doesn't mean much. It's just one of those annoying Saturday afternoon games. For long time fans, a game versus the Flames stirs emotions from nearly 20 years ago when Calgary vs Los Angeles was a game that everybody circled on their calendar.
After the Kings traded for Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games. Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off their first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Oilers, in 7 games. Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. It's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
The Kings went on to win the Smythe Division in 1990-91 and then made their own run to the Cup finals in '92-93. Along the way there were plenty of other memorable games vs the Flames, with lots of penalties...and some fines and suspensions too. There was the game where the penalty boxes were so full that Sandstorm had to sit on Luc's lap. In March of '91 Kings coach Tom Webster was suspended 4 games for an altercation with the Flames' Doug Gilmour. But, he was just getting warmed up. The following season Webster was suspended again, this time for 12 games, and fined $10k for throwing a stick at referee Kerry Fraser.
Then, there were the players. Long before there was ever a Sean Avery, there was the original pest - a diminutive man in height with a heart and drive like no other. Theo Fleury was the guy that everybody loved to hate. And then hate some more. If you went to those games at the Forum, you have to remember the lady that sat near the penalty box with her cowbell. If only she could have suited up for a game or two.
Today the Flames arrive in town with two of the best defenseman in the league - Jay Bouwmeester and Dion Phaneuf. That's a blue line tandem the likes of which the Kings hope to repeat themselves in a few years with Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty.
Lastly, let's not forget Olli Jokinen. In 1997 he was the Kings first round draft pick and supposedly the future of the franchise. Just two years later - with the Kings about to move into Staples Center - he was sent packing for Ziggy Palffy. At the trade deadline last year Jokinen was again on the move, this time from Phoenix to Calgary.
Plenty of memories between two teams that are searching for a return to the playoffs this season. Perhaps come Spring, they'll meet again.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
After the Kings traded for Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games. Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off their first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Oilers, in 7 games. Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. It's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
The Kings went on to win the Smythe Division in 1990-91 and then made their own run to the Cup finals in '92-93. Along the way there were plenty of other memorable games vs the Flames, with lots of penalties...and some fines and suspensions too. There was the game where the penalty boxes were so full that Sandstorm had to sit on Luc's lap. In March of '91 Kings coach Tom Webster was suspended 4 games for an altercation with the Flames' Doug Gilmour. But, he was just getting warmed up. The following season Webster was suspended again, this time for 12 games, and fined $10k for throwing a stick at referee Kerry Fraser.
Then, there were the players. Long before there was ever a Sean Avery, there was the original pest - a diminutive man in height with a heart and drive like no other. Theo Fleury was the guy that everybody loved to hate. And then hate some more. If you went to those games at the Forum, you have to remember the lady that sat near the penalty box with her cowbell. If only she could have suited up for a game or two.
Today the Flames arrive in town with two of the best defenseman in the league - Jay Bouwmeester and Dion Phaneuf. That's a blue line tandem the likes of which the Kings hope to repeat themselves in a few years with Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty.
Lastly, let's not forget Olli Jokinen. In 1997 he was the Kings first round draft pick and supposedly the future of the franchise. Just two years later - with the Kings about to move into Staples Center - he was sent packing for Ziggy Palffy. At the trade deadline last year Jokinen was again on the move, this time from Phoenix to Calgary.
Plenty of memories between two teams that are searching for a return to the playoffs this season. Perhaps come Spring, they'll meet again.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
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