Sean O'Donnell on Jonathan Quick and the Stanley Cup

Sean O'Donnell (photo by Cikiri)

Long time followers of MayorsManor - especially those who've listened to any of my radio interviews - know that when talking about Jonathan Quick, I often make mention of a passing comment Sean O'Donnell made to me in Las Vegas in the fall of 2009.

To set the stage properly, it's important to understand that the season before that conversation took place, Quick had split time between Manchester (AHL) and Los Angeles. And the year prior to that, he was in the ECHL. So, with only 47 games of big league experience, very little was still known about Quick.

Yet, O'Donnell told me that he saw big things in Quick's future, including a Stanley Cup.

From talking to players over the years you develop the ability to cut through some of the rhetoric and fluff. Make no mistake about it, O'Donnell wasn't pumping the tires of a teammate when he said it. In fact, he's the one that brought up Quick.  With such praise coming from a well respected veteran (one with over 1000 games played, a former team captain, Stanley Cup winner, etc.), I took note.

Then, as if O'Donnell knew the script, Quick went on to win 39 games that year - setting the Kings' single-season franchise record in the process. He went on to top that with a stellar season last year and a Vezina Trophy worthy campaign is underway at the moment.

So, when I had a chance to catch up with O'Donnell over the weekend, I just had to know... What did he see in Quick way back then?

Sean O'Donnell on his former teammate Jeff Carter

Thanks to everybody who listened in to MayorsManor LIVE tonight. Sorry we ran out of time before we could get to all of the live calls.

Below is the full clip from veteran NHL defenseman Sean O'Donnell, where he answers questions about his former teammates, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards.

Of course, O'Donnell has played over 1,100 games in the NHL, after starting his career with the LA Kings. He's gone on to play for several other organizations, including the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks. O'Donnell also won the Stanley Cup in 2007 and is the former captain of he Minnesota Wild. Needless to say, he has the resume to back up what he says here...



If you missed tonight's full episode, including a 'surprise' call from Kings prospect Ray Kaunisto (of the Manchester Monarchs), comments from Ian Laperriere of the Philadelphia Flyers and others - click here to listen to the replay. It's about as much NHL trade talk as you can handle.

For some bonus coverage, here's a conversation with Jim Fox from earlier today where he addresses the Dustin Brown trade rumors. Is he likely to be dealt? See what Fox has to say.

The Mayor
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MayorManor LIVE call-in show tonight - trade rumors and special guests

Just a quick reminder that we're looking to hear from you hockey fans! Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period will join me tonight to co-host 90-minutes of wall-to-wall NHL trade rumors. We'll be giving you everything you need to know about tomorrow's trade deadline - who's being shopped, who's not leaving, what teams want in return for certain players and more.

Expect a full look from around the NHL and we'll be taking LIVE calls from you, the listeners. Have a rumor that you want to talk about? Dial us up and we'll give you our take on it.

As if that's not enough though, we'll also be talking with Jim Fox on the rumors surrounding the Kings, as well as their recent acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Plus, two of Carter's former teammates - Ian Laperriere and Sean O'Donnell - also check in with their take on the Kings' new forward. What do they make of all the drama that went down in Philadelphia? And, Lappy will share his opinion of whether the Flyers will be dealing James van Riemsdyk.

You don't want to miss tonight's show!

UPDATE: If you missed it, check the show page here: Mayor's Manor radio - Hockey Chirps Live or listen to the full replay in the audio player below...

Listen to internet radio with MayorsManor X Hockey Chirps on Blog Talk Radio

NOTE: Because we ran long this week, the Jim Fox interview can be found here...and the full comments from Sean O'Donnell can be heard here.

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Comments from Blackhawks locker room after 4-0 loss in LA

Blackhawks fans will likely dismiss their 4-0 loss in LA as not that big of a deal, especially considering they were without captain Jonathan Toews.  On the other side of the ice, Kings captain Dustin Brown figured prominently in the outcome - scoring the game's first three goals and assisting on his team's other marker.

Chicago entered the night holding a 10-1-1 record in the last 12 match-ups versus LA, with their only loss in regulation being a 2-0 game at the United Center on December 28th.  So, the Kings now hold back-to-back shutouts over the team with third best offense in the Western Conference. Even with the win though, the Kings are still on the outside looking in when it comes to the playoffs, while the 'Hawks sit sixth in the standings.

After the game, here's what they were saying back in the locker room...

Patrick Sharp on the overall game - "There’s room for more offensive chances; there are ways to get stronger and get more pucks to the net. There’s nothing really more to say, we’ve got to find a way to put one in the back of the net. We need to get some guys on it, and do the things that we’re doing and find a way to get it in the back of the net and it’ll be a huge positive for us."

Kings vs Blackhawks pregame primer - a few fun facts

Before we get into the fun of hearing from a trio of Kings defensemen regarding tonight's match-up with the Blackhawks, let's first run through a few quick notes and stats...

- For Simon Gagne and Mike Richards, today's game may be a little more personal than it is for other members of the Kings. It was the Blackhawks who beat their then-team, the Flyers, in overtime for the Stanley Cup back in 2010.

- During the regular season, Richards has only played Chicago five times in his career, posting two points (both goals). He was also clocked a few times during a fight with Troy Brouwer in one of those game back in 2008 (video). However, Brouwer has moved on to Washington this season, so any thought of a rematch will have to wait until the Capitals visit LA in January.

- Also, don't expect Blackhawks' pest Daniel Carcillo and Richards, his old pal from Philly, to have too many beefs on the ice - they're friends off of it. Now, Kyle Clifford on the other hand...

- And speaking of fights, it looks like Kevin Westgarth won't be getting another dance with John Scott tonight. Almost one year ago to the day, these two squared off in a battle at Staples Center that saw Westgarth leave the ice in a bloody mess (video).  Then, they met up again the following month and things only went slightly better (video).  Scott is expected to be a healthy scratch tonight, while Westgarth will be playing in his third straight game.

Quick, Doughty, Kings down the Flyers (with video)

In October 2009, while in Las Vegas for a fairly meaningless exhibition game, defenseman Sean O'Donnell (then with the Kings) made a bold statement about goalie Jonathan Quick.

He said "I think he has what it takes to be an elite goalie in this league."

It's a comment that would have seemed innocent enough or as simple as a teammate propping up his netminder, except for one thing. At that point, Quick hadn't even played in 50 NHL games and was just one year removed from being in the ECHL.

Fast forward fourteen months and the Kings were in Philadelphia today to take on the Flyers, where O'Donnell now patrols the blue line.

The Kings came in on a modest 6-0-2 streak, however they had gone 0-9-1 in the City of Brotherly Love since the Flyers moved out of the old Spectrum.

Prior to the game enforcer Kevin Westgarth acknowledged the team was "looking for a little retribution" - having lost to the Flyers in LA back in December.

Anze Kopitar set up Drew Doughty just 17-seconds into the second period to put the Kings on the board first. Then, after Quick turned aside the first 25 Flyer shots, LA came into the third clinging to a precious 1-0 lead.

As noted in the 'Nine Things You Need to Know Today' pre-game article, the Kings were 17-0-0 when leading after two periods.

Make it 18-0-0.  Doughty's goal stood as the game winner and Quick saved 15 more shots in the third for his sixth shutout of the season.

Video highlights after the jump...

MayorsManor Podcast - featuring Ian Laperriere

Trevor Lewis is wearing #22 this season. Before him were names like Baumgartner, Huddy, Tocchet, Conroy and Halpern. However, for most Kings fans there's only one #22...Ian Laperriere.

And the admiration for Lappy isn't just among the fans.

"Ian, the way he plays, tells it all" said captain Dustin Brown when talking about the four leaders that inspired him earlier in his career. Luc Robitaille specifically called out Laperriere during his Hall of Fame induction speech. So, it really doesn't matter who you're talking with, from coaches to teammates to opponents, everybody has deep respect from what Lappy brings to the game of hockey.

Therefore, when it came time to launch the new MayorsManor podcast, he was the perfect guest. Not only does he have great stories, that French-Canadian accent could only mean one thing - hockey!

He doesn't need much more of an introduction, so let's get right to it.

In this interview we cover the trade that brought him to Los Angeles, the highs and lows of his career, playoff memories at Staples Center, contract talks with the Kings...plus, a word association segment that is one for the ages.  Truly candid comments from Lappy.



update: ALSO AVAILABLE on itunes - click here to start



FOR A LIST OF OTHER MayorsManor PODCASTS - click here


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Tertiary Scoring Kicking In

Throughout the season you'll hear an NHL coach claim a myriad of things are the 'keys to winning' a particular game. Depending on the day of the week it might be the power play or the penalty kill. It could be shot mentality or goaltending. Another popular one is secondary scoring. But, tertiary scoring? That might be a new one.

Warming Up the Leftovers from Vegas

We're a little over 24 hours away from the love affair beginning all over again. The pucks, the sticks, the jerseys, the wins, the losses...82 games of pure enjoyment. Well, that's not true, is it? Some nights you want to scream and then hide your head in shame. You still love it though. At least enough to come back for one more game. And when that game goes better than the last, you're hooked all over again. It's hockey. We love it.

Before turning the page and starting with a fresh, empty sheet tomorrow, I'm cleaning out my notebook from this year's Frozen Fury. Another great weekend in Vegas, punctuated with a solid win over a rebuilding Avalanche team.

Here are some highlights and comments from the pre-skate EARLY Saturday morning (note: I twittered some of these live that morning...if you're not following me, you should be).

Kevin Westgarth

• The biggest difference coming into camp this year is the confidence from being here last year. Things are going well, but I'm still battling for a position, so that's tough.
• All the guys in the room are super excited about this season and are (eager) to get things going.
• The two acquisitions are proven winners. Smittie and Scuds are a perfect fit for LA.
• HIGH from camp - playing my brother in Kansas City
• LOW from camp - getting up so early...but that's really not a big deal, I try to stay positive

Sean O'Donnell

• Camp is going better this year because it's basically the same group as last year. That makes things a lot easier.
• The biggest change for the team this year is the goaltending. Last year it was a big question mark. This year, there is no question. Quick is the #1 guy. I think he has what it takes to be an elite goalie in this league.
• HIGH - the system...there hasn't been any drop off from where we were last year...we just need to focus on the offensive side now...increase our shots per game
• LOW - personally or team wise? (he laughs) The suspension for sure.

Dustin Brown

• Keeping the camaraderie and communication going is the challenge. We all need to talk more. That's a big focus. Smyth and Scuderi were BIG additions for us. Its a huge help to our confidence. With most of the team being together for a season already, that's going to make a difference. We played so many close games last year. This all just helps us our confidence.
• On Schenn - I'm not sure how much longer he'll be here. But, for an 18 year old kid he is very impressive.
• On Purcell - He dominated at times in Manchester. He is physically and mentally prepared for the role he's being given. It's up to him to get it done every single night now.
• The lockout was a blessing in disguise for me. I enjoyed my time in Manchester. It's where I learned how to be a pro.
• HIGH - tonight will be my high! The Vegas game is fun every year. We look forward to it. And the line-up we have is close to our real line-up, so it will be a lot of fun.
• LOW - testing day, for sure.

That's a wrap. Let's get on with the regular season!

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