Rookie Jordan Nolan had another memorable game for the Kings last night - not only picking up his second NHL goal, but also introducing himself to the Wild's Marco Scandella...
It was Scandella's first NHL fight as well. Perhaps he bit off a bit more than he can chew for his inaugural tilt though.
You can check out more of Nolan's handy work from Manchester over on his page at hockeyfights.com.
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Showing posts with label Wild. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wild. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Friday, December 9, 2011
Kings coach Murray evaluates the return of Alec Martinez
Kings defenseman Alec Martinez returned to the line-up last night after missing the previous 10 games with an 'upper body' injury - ironically, suffered in game vs. the Minnesota Wild last month.
With Martinez on IR, the Kings needed to make a roster move to get him back into the line-up. And the strong play of Slava Voynov suggests he isn't going anywhere. However, the expected waiving of Davis Drewiske will have to wait at least until the weekend because the Kings were able to place Willie Mitchell on IR (retroactive back to December 1, meaning he can come off tomorrow).
Again, for those curious about the roster process - essentially, to get Mitchell or Mike Richards back in the line-up, the Kings will need to make one roster move for each player. They can send Voynov, Andrei Loktionov or Kyle Clifford to the AHL without exposing them to waivers. Any other player on the Kings roster would have to be placed on waivers first, giving the other 29 teams a chance to take the player being waived. If such player goes unclaimed, he can then be assigned to Manchester. Thus, it's a slippery slope right now.
That decision can wait at least one more day though.
Back to Martinez. He had 17:28 of total ice time and recorded one shot last night. Here's what coach Terry Murray had to say when asked for an evaluation of the young defenseman's return to action...
With Martinez on IR, the Kings needed to make a roster move to get him back into the line-up. And the strong play of Slava Voynov suggests he isn't going anywhere. However, the expected waiving of Davis Drewiske will have to wait at least until the weekend because the Kings were able to place Willie Mitchell on IR (retroactive back to December 1, meaning he can come off tomorrow).
Again, for those curious about the roster process - essentially, to get Mitchell or Mike Richards back in the line-up, the Kings will need to make one roster move for each player. They can send Voynov, Andrei Loktionov or Kyle Clifford to the AHL without exposing them to waivers. Any other player on the Kings roster would have to be placed on waivers first, giving the other 29 teams a chance to take the player being waived. If such player goes unclaimed, he can then be assigned to Manchester. Thus, it's a slippery slope right now.
That decision can wait at least one more day though.
Back to Martinez. He had 17:28 of total ice time and recorded one shot last night. Here's what coach Terry Murray had to say when asked for an evaluation of the young defenseman's return to action...
Jack Johnson - 'We have to do something different here'
From what I've observed over the last few years, Jack Johnson is one of those players who hates to lose more than he likes to win. When the Kings are victorious, there's usually a small smile or two and a 'on to the next one' attitude in the room afterwards. But, when they lose, you would see steam coming out of his ears if life were like a cartoon.
Johnson had his first multi-point game of the season last night, assisting on both Kings goals. However, understandably, he was in no mood to celebrate following the Kings third loss in a row.
Here's his take...
On his two points - "We don't score very much, so nobody is going to be racking up a lot of points. But, the point is, we're not scoring at all. So, it's hard. We only scored two goals again tonight. You're not going to win many hockey games only scoring two goals."
On seeing Anze Kopitar laying on the ice - "He's a tough guy. We all believed he would get up and get back in the game. We're all pretty positive with that stuff. He's a big, strong guy, so we were pretty confident he was going to get back in the game."
On what he saw from the Kings following the hit - "Everyone was working hard to try and score one on that five-minute power play. We wanted to score one for him. Nobody's out there not trying. (It was) another case of us only scoring two goals. It's not enough to win in this league."
On the meeting in the room immediately following the game - "It's pretty obvious this isn't good enough to win. It's not a lack of effort. Everyone here wants to do well. Everyone wants to win. But, we have to do something different here, in this room as players, to find a way to win hockey games."
To read postgame quotes from Kings coach Terry Murray click here. Also, click on the player's name to read comments from - Trent Hunter, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown.
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Johnson had his first multi-point game of the season last night, assisting on both Kings goals. However, understandably, he was in no mood to celebrate following the Kings third loss in a row.
Here's his take...
On his two points - "We don't score very much, so nobody is going to be racking up a lot of points. But, the point is, we're not scoring at all. So, it's hard. We only scored two goals again tonight. You're not going to win many hockey games only scoring two goals."
On seeing Anze Kopitar laying on the ice - "He's a tough guy. We all believed he would get up and get back in the game. We're all pretty positive with that stuff. He's a big, strong guy, so we were pretty confident he was going to get back in the game."
On what he saw from the Kings following the hit - "Everyone was working hard to try and score one on that five-minute power play. We wanted to score one for him. Nobody's out there not trying. (It was) another case of us only scoring two goals. It's not enough to win in this league."
On the meeting in the room immediately following the game - "It's pretty obvious this isn't good enough to win. It's not a lack of effort. Everyone here wants to do well. Everyone wants to win. But, we have to do something different here, in this room as players, to find a way to win hockey games."
To read postgame quotes from Kings coach Terry Murray click here. Also, click on the player's name to read comments from - Trent Hunter, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown.
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Wild def Kings 4-2, quotes from the Minnesota locker room
Although the Kings out-shot the Wild 44-24 and out-hit them 46-22, they gave up a season-high four goals (for the third time) and that was too much for an offense that's unable to score more than two goals right now. Final score 4-2, and here's what they were saying in the Minnesota locker room after the game...
Coach Mike Yeo on the overall game - "It was nice to have a good start. It was nice not to have to sit here and talk about another attempt or a great job coming from behind and I thought we were sharp right from the get-go. We expected them to have a push. Certainly it was tough losing (Brodziak) tonight and I thought our guys really rose to the challenge."
Yeo on losing Kyle Brodziak - "Obviously it increased a lot of ice time for (Koivu), (Cullen), and for the lines. We started to roll those lines real frequently but also with Cody Almond. I thought not only did he step into that situation and play key minutes for us, but that was a big goal he scored. They had some good momentum going at that time and you could tell that took a lot of life out of them."
Rookie goaltender Matt Hackett on making his first NHL start - "I can’t even explain it. It’s been crazy. Best 72 hours of my life so far. Like I said, we got to keep it going and I’m just living the dream right now. Just got to jump in there and do the best you can. Today I had time to think about the game, usually I have a pre-game map, but I was so excited I didn’t really get to sleep. I was just focusing on what I was supposed to do and I felt like it went pretty well tonight."
Coach Mike Yeo on the overall game - "It was nice to have a good start. It was nice not to have to sit here and talk about another attempt or a great job coming from behind and I thought we were sharp right from the get-go. We expected them to have a push. Certainly it was tough losing (Brodziak) tonight and I thought our guys really rose to the challenge."
Yeo on losing Kyle Brodziak - "Obviously it increased a lot of ice time for (Koivu), (Cullen), and for the lines. We started to roll those lines real frequently but also with Cody Almond. I thought not only did he step into that situation and play key minutes for us, but that was a big goal he scored. They had some good momentum going at that time and you could tell that took a lot of life out of them."
Rookie goaltender Matt Hackett on making his first NHL start - "I can’t even explain it. It’s been crazy. Best 72 hours of my life so far. Like I said, we got to keep it going and I’m just living the dream right now. Just got to jump in there and do the best you can. Today I had time to think about the game, usually I have a pre-game map, but I was so excited I didn’t really get to sleep. I was just focusing on what I was supposed to do and I felt like it went pretty well tonight."
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Murray's postgame presser - includes his mtg with players
Quick highlights from LA Kings coach Terry Murray's postgame presser...
On the overall game - "Those [early period goals] are killers. You have a team [Wild] that is a really good defensive team. They’re the number one team in the league. They get a lead, they’re going to protect it; they have in the last games that I’ve watched in Anaheim and San Jose, and it’s a killer. You can’t give up a goal in the first shift like we did, at the start of the period. You work hard, you try to climb out of the hole, you try and turn the tables in the third period with lots of things but sometimes it’s too late and it’s too late tonight."
On the Kings goals - "Those are the kinds of goals, as far as attitude with pucks to the net and looking for opportunities, but that has to start right away…It’s just an easy play, it’s just a simple D-to-D behind the net play and you’re out of your zone, there was really no pressure. We made the mistake. We put the puck in your teammate’s feet and it ended up going around the boards, they recovered it right back and now we’re scrambling. Those plays are the ones that our haunting us right now, our own mistakes."
On the overall game - "Those [early period goals] are killers. You have a team [Wild] that is a really good defensive team. They’re the number one team in the league. They get a lead, they’re going to protect it; they have in the last games that I’ve watched in Anaheim and San Jose, and it’s a killer. You can’t give up a goal in the first shift like we did, at the start of the period. You work hard, you try to climb out of the hole, you try and turn the tables in the third period with lots of things but sometimes it’s too late and it’s too late tonight."
On the Kings goals - "Those are the kinds of goals, as far as attitude with pucks to the net and looking for opportunities, but that has to start right away…It’s just an easy play, it’s just a simple D-to-D behind the net play and you’re out of your zone, there was really no pressure. We made the mistake. We put the puck in your teammate’s feet and it ended up going around the boards, they recovered it right back and now we’re scrambling. Those plays are the ones that our haunting us right now, our own mistakes."
Dustin Brown on his hit total tonight, seeing Kopitar on the ice
Kings captain Dustin Brown had a season high 12 hits tonight vs. the Wild, to go along with five shots on goal.
After the game, he shared the following...
On his 12 hits in the game - "We need more intensity in our game and part of that is physical, I guess. But, I don't look at the stat sheets. The opportunities were there. Everyone is questioning my hit totals this year - whether it's the rules, and maybe that's part of it. But, I'm not going to run out of (my) way to get hits. Tonight the hits were there. Some nights there's not a lot of opportunity out there the way the game is played nowadays."
On seeing Anze Kopitar laying on the ice - "It's always scary when you see a player go down, regardless of if he's your best player. When you see a teammate go into the boards like that you just hope for the best. We have to find a way to capitalize when we have a five minute power play, or three-and-a-half minutes, whatever it was."
On the overall game - "They got a quick early goal and I turned the puck over on the second one. I just couldn’t make a strong play and then it was in our net and it was 2-0. It’s a tough team to play against when you are down 2-0. I don’t know exactly what happened on the first but I couldn’t make that play on the second. Look at our shot pool: in 40-whatever shots we got two goals. We have to find ways to score goals. I give Hackett credit, he made some pretty big saves."
On the improvements need - "We have to get around the net more. I thought tonight was better than it has been in the past. We have to just get to the net and find ways to get pucks through. We have to be stronger in front of the net, we have a couple guys that are there consistently but we need more guys going. That’s going to help us score goals."
Brown came on MayorsManor the other day and explained why his hit totals are down 24% for the season (link here)
More to come.
Comments from Trent Hunter and Anze Kopitar are already up on the homepage...and coach Murray's remarks from his postgame presser can be found here.
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After the game, he shared the following...
On his 12 hits in the game - "We need more intensity in our game and part of that is physical, I guess. But, I don't look at the stat sheets. The opportunities were there. Everyone is questioning my hit totals this year - whether it's the rules, and maybe that's part of it. But, I'm not going to run out of (my) way to get hits. Tonight the hits were there. Some nights there's not a lot of opportunity out there the way the game is played nowadays."
On seeing Anze Kopitar laying on the ice - "It's always scary when you see a player go down, regardless of if he's your best player. When you see a teammate go into the boards like that you just hope for the best. We have to find a way to capitalize when we have a five minute power play, or three-and-a-half minutes, whatever it was."
On the overall game - "They got a quick early goal and I turned the puck over on the second one. I just couldn’t make a strong play and then it was in our net and it was 2-0. It’s a tough team to play against when you are down 2-0. I don’t know exactly what happened on the first but I couldn’t make that play on the second. Look at our shot pool: in 40-whatever shots we got two goals. We have to find ways to score goals. I give Hackett credit, he made some pretty big saves."
On the improvements need - "We have to get around the net more. I thought tonight was better than it has been in the past. We have to just get to the net and find ways to get pucks through. We have to be stronger in front of the net, we have a couple guys that are there consistently but we need more guys going. That’s going to help us score goals."
Brown came on MayorsManor the other day and explained why his hit totals are down 24% for the season (link here)
More to come.
Comments from Trent Hunter and Anze Kopitar are already up on the homepage...and coach Murray's remarks from his postgame presser can be found here.
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Trent Hunter on his first goal and the postgame meeting
Trent Hunter played a total of 13:02 in the Kings 4-2 loss to the Wild tonight. He also recorded four hits and three shots on goal.
But, the most important stat related to Hunter was in the goal column. He scored his 100th NHL goal and first as a King - after going 0-15 this season.
"It's definitely nice to get that monkey off my back," said Hunter. "It's been a long gap and a long year. But, it was nice to see that one go in and now hopefully I can keep things rolling."
After the game it took several minutes longer than usual for the Kings dressing room to open for the media. What was being said?
"We were talking about what we need to do and how we need to play these games. As players, we know we need to be better. We're going to regroup and be ready for Saturday."
More to come.
[UPDATE - Murray talks postgame meeting and the hit on Kopitar here...Kopitar talks fustrations and goals here...and Brown talks his hit totals tonight and seeing Kopitar on the ice here]
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But, the most important stat related to Hunter was in the goal column. He scored his 100th NHL goal and first as a King - after going 0-15 this season.
"It's definitely nice to get that monkey off my back," said Hunter. "It's been a long gap and a long year. But, it was nice to see that one go in and now hopefully I can keep things rolling."
After the game it took several minutes longer than usual for the Kings dressing room to open for the media. What was being said?
"We were talking about what we need to do and how we need to play these games. As players, we know we need to be better. We're going to regroup and be ready for Saturday."
More to come.
[UPDATE - Murray talks postgame meeting and the hit on Kopitar here...Kopitar talks fustrations and goals here...and Brown talks his hit totals tonight and seeing Kopitar on the ice here]
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Wild at Kings roster notes, including a first NHL start
Some quick notes on tonight's game, featuring the Minnesota Wild's second (and final) trip to Staples Center this season:
- Coach Terry Murray was right yesterday, both Alec Martinez and Willie Mitchell won't be in the line-up tonight. However, in a reversal from the way things looked 24 hours ago, it's Martinez who will play. To create the roster spot for #27's removal from IR, Mitchell was added to IR - retroactive to December 1st, as his groin hasn't fully recovered.
- The status of Justin Williams is still TBD. He skated this morning, but his availability for tonight will be a game-time decision. Brad Richardson will skate in warm-ups tonight and will get the call if #14 isn't ready to go.
- Trevor Lewis will go back in the line-up tonight, playing right wing on the fourth line. Apparently, he's shown the necessary grit in practice the last few days.
- As of now, the lines appear to be:
Dustin Penner - Anze Koptiar - Dustin Brown
Simon Gagne - Jarret Stoll - Williams/Richardson
Ethan Moreau - Andrei Loktionov - Trent Hunter
Kyle Clifford - Colin Fraser - Trevor Lewis
Of course, that's all subject to change on a shift by shift basis.
UPDATE: The plan now is to flip-flop Stoll and Loktionov. So, Stoll returns to the third line.
- For the Wild, they've announced Matt Hackett will make his first NHL start in net. He came on in relief the other night vs. San Jose and earned his first victory. Hackett was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft and played junior hockey in the OHL. Last season he was the starting goalie for the Wild's AHL farm team, the Houston Aeros - who lost the championship in a six-game series with Binghamton. Former Kings defenseman Darryl Sydor was the assistant coach on that team (he's now an assistant with the Wild) and former Kings draft pick Patrick O'Sullivan played forward for them. In his junior days, Hackett was teammates with future Kings draft picks Jordan Nolan and Robbie Czarnik.
- Devin Setoguchi was placed on IR earlier today by the Wild. He'll miss the action tonight at Staples Center.
Game time is 7:30pm PST.
The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:
Patrick O'Sullivan reflects on his days with the Kings
Interview with Robbie Czarnik - the forgotten Kings prospect
Dr. Terry Murray with the latest updates from the infirmary - notes on Richards, Mitchell, etc.
Trevor Lewis responds to benching, coach Terry Murray's comments
Dustin Penner says Corey Perry was 'mlking it' after he hit him
- Coach Terry Murray was right yesterday, both Alec Martinez and Willie Mitchell won't be in the line-up tonight. However, in a reversal from the way things looked 24 hours ago, it's Martinez who will play. To create the roster spot for #27's removal from IR, Mitchell was added to IR - retroactive to December 1st, as his groin hasn't fully recovered.
- The status of Justin Williams is still TBD. He skated this morning, but his availability for tonight will be a game-time decision. Brad Richardson will skate in warm-ups tonight and will get the call if #14 isn't ready to go.
- Trevor Lewis will go back in the line-up tonight, playing right wing on the fourth line. Apparently, he's shown the necessary grit in practice the last few days.
- As of now, the lines appear to be:
Dustin Penner - Anze Koptiar - Dustin Brown
Simon Gagne - Jarret Stoll - Williams/Richardson
Ethan Moreau - Andrei Loktionov - Trent Hunter
Kyle Clifford - Colin Fraser - Trevor Lewis
Of course, that's all subject to change on a shift by shift basis.
UPDATE: The plan now is to flip-flop Stoll and Loktionov. So, Stoll returns to the third line.
- For the Wild, they've announced Matt Hackett will make his first NHL start in net. He came on in relief the other night vs. San Jose and earned his first victory. Hackett was selected by Minnesota in the third round of the 2009 NHL Draft and played junior hockey in the OHL. Last season he was the starting goalie for the Wild's AHL farm team, the Houston Aeros - who lost the championship in a six-game series with Binghamton. Former Kings defenseman Darryl Sydor was the assistant coach on that team (he's now an assistant with the Wild) and former Kings draft pick Patrick O'Sullivan played forward for them. In his junior days, Hackett was teammates with future Kings draft picks Jordan Nolan and Robbie Czarnik.
- Devin Setoguchi was placed on IR earlier today by the Wild. He'll miss the action tonight at Staples Center.
Game time is 7:30pm PST.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Patrick O'Sullivan reflects on his days with the Kings
Interview with Robbie Czarnik - the forgotten Kings prospect
Dr. Terry Murray with the latest updates from the infirmary - notes on Richards, Mitchell, etc.
Trevor Lewis responds to benching, coach Terry Murray's comments
Dustin Penner says Corey Perry was 'mlking it' after he hit him
Sunday, November 13, 2011
LA Kings def Wild 5-2 - postgame locker room comments
After the Kings defeated the Wild 5-2 in front of another sell out crowd at Staples Center on Saturday night, here was some of the reaction coming from both locker rooms...
- Dustin Brown on the overall game: "The last four periods is a tell tale sign of how we need to play with the puck. The defense moved the puck a little quicker getting it up the ice."
- Brown on the power play goal by Alec Martinez: "That was probably the turning point in the game, really. We had a five-minute opportunity to really put the nail in the coffin and [Justin] Williams made a good play from low and we found a goal to go up 2-0 and we went from there.”
- Coach Terry Murray on his milestone game: "It doesn’t really feel any different, anything special. It’s a game that was very important for us to win. I really liked the focus coming into the game tonight. The players came out right away with the kind of intensity and attitude of moving their feet, getting pucks going north, and recovering pucks. That was a huge first goal that Fraser scored on a nice play by Moreau from behind the net. That’s what I like about the milestone: the fact that the team played well and won the game."
- Dustin Brown on the overall game: "The last four periods is a tell tale sign of how we need to play with the puck. The defense moved the puck a little quicker getting it up the ice."
- Brown on the power play goal by Alec Martinez: "That was probably the turning point in the game, really. We had a five-minute opportunity to really put the nail in the coffin and [Justin] Williams made a good play from low and we found a goal to go up 2-0 and we went from there.”
- Coach Terry Murray on his milestone game: "It doesn’t really feel any different, anything special. It’s a game that was very important for us to win. I really liked the focus coming into the game tonight. The players came out right away with the kind of intensity and attitude of moving their feet, getting pucks going north, and recovering pucks. That was a huge first goal that Fraser scored on a nice play by Moreau from behind the net. That’s what I like about the milestone: the fact that the team played well and won the game."
Monday, October 17, 2011
Kings affiliate action - notes from Reign opening weekend
Just about everything was new, except the jerseys.
Gone was fiery and temperamental head coach Karl Taylor and in was the seemingly always jolly Jason Christie. Helping him behind the bench was former Kings defenseman and assistant coach Mark Hardy.
On the roster, only a small handful of players remain from last season. It's a completely new look team, that now includes Kings goaltending prospect JF Berube as the number one goalie.
Saturday afternoon the Reign also added Darcy Kuemper to the line-up. The 6-foot-4 goaltender was drafted by Minnesota in the sixth round of the 2009 draft and remains under contract to the Wild. However, due to them not having an ECHL affiliate this year (and a full roster in the AHL), Christie was able to work out a deal for Kuemper to play in Ontario. He comes in after a strong season last year, where he was the top goalie in the WHL.
Friday night's game was a 5-4 loss to the two-time defending champions of the Pacific Division, the Bakersfield Condors. Saturday saw the team rebound and pick up a 3-2 victory - after 11 rounds of a shootout - over their old nemesis, the Stockton Thunder.
Below are some exclusive quotes a few of the notables provided MayorsManor...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Kings Cut Back on Overtime at Staples Center
It wasn't a cost cutting move, but the Kings cut back on overtime yesterday.
In their three previous games with Minnesota this season they needed more than three periods to determine an outcome. Last night, they downed the Wild 4-2 in just 60 minutes.
Below are some post game notes followed by video highlights...
* Dustin Brown played one of his better games this year. He was everywhere, including in the face of several opposing players. His two assists weren't a true measure of his impact on the outcome.
* Jonathan Bernier continued to look good in net. He stopped 25 of 27 shots, giving up one even strength and one power play goal. That's five of six games now where he's given up two or fewer goals.
* More on the Kings' goaltending - LA and Nashville have given up the fewest goals in the Western Conference (146) and trail only Boston (145) for the NHL lead. And the Bruins have played one fewer game.
* Drew Doughty's 25:55 of ice team lead all players in the game. Unfortunately, his penalty late in the second period led to the aforementioned Wild PPG with just seconds remaining until intermission. However, it wasn't long after the break when Doughty scored to put the Kings back up 3-2. His big fist pump told you all you needed to know about his competitiveness level last night.
* Kyle Clifford played a team low 9:13. That's something to keep an eye on. As much as everybody loves The Colonel, you have to remember he's a kid playing in a man's league. Plus, he's out there fighting too. He needs to get some rest down the stretch, especially considering the NHL season is much longer than a junior schedule - not to mention the added travel.
* The Kings are now 3-0 in their vintage purple and gold jerseys this season, with wins opening night vs. Vancouver, January 15 vs. Edmonton and last night vs. Minnesota. They'll wear them for the final time March 19th vs. Anaheim.
[video highlights after the jump]
In their three previous games with Minnesota this season they needed more than three periods to determine an outcome. Last night, they downed the Wild 4-2 in just 60 minutes.
Below are some post game notes followed by video highlights...
* Dustin Brown played one of his better games this year. He was everywhere, including in the face of several opposing players. His two assists weren't a true measure of his impact on the outcome.
* Jonathan Bernier continued to look good in net. He stopped 25 of 27 shots, giving up one even strength and one power play goal. That's five of six games now where he's given up two or fewer goals.
* More on the Kings' goaltending - LA and Nashville have given up the fewest goals in the Western Conference (146) and trail only Boston (145) for the NHL lead. And the Bruins have played one fewer game.
* Drew Doughty's 25:55 of ice team lead all players in the game. Unfortunately, his penalty late in the second period led to the aforementioned Wild PPG with just seconds remaining until intermission. However, it wasn't long after the break when Doughty scored to put the Kings back up 3-2. His big fist pump told you all you needed to know about his competitiveness level last night.
* Kyle Clifford played a team low 9:13. That's something to keep an eye on. As much as everybody loves The Colonel, you have to remember he's a kid playing in a man's league. Plus, he's out there fighting too. He needs to get some rest down the stretch, especially considering the NHL season is much longer than a junior schedule - not to mention the added travel.
* The Kings are now 3-0 in their vintage purple and gold jerseys this season, with wins opening night vs. Vancouver, January 15 vs. Edmonton and last night vs. Minnesota. They'll wear them for the final time March 19th vs. Anaheim.
[video highlights after the jump]
Monday, February 21, 2011
...And Now You're Caught Up - Feb 21, 2011
To help you out, below are ten stories you need to know coming out of the weekend...
* Andrei Loktionov was sent back to Manchester. It's a numbers game. With Marco Sturm set to return the Kings needed a roster spot. They can't send Davis Drewiske or Peter Harrold down without first going through waivers. Chances are they wouldn't make it. Both are serviceable sixth defenseman in the NHL and have minimal salaries. At the very least, it wasn't a chance worth taking. Odds are Loktionov will be back in LA before the season is out.
* Still not sure why people were so in awe of Carey Price's mask during the Heritage Classic. The concept has been used by several goalies in the past, including Jonathan Quick's tribute to Rogie Vachon this year. However, my favorite may have been Hannu Toivanen of the St. Louis Blues / Boston Bruins going with the Denis Lemieux (from Slap Shot) look.
* As noted in the Kings Prospect Report earlier this week, Brayden Schenn and Linden Vey (the WHL's leading scorer) were set to meet up yesterday. Vey's Medicine Hat Tigers downed the Saskatoon Blades 5-2. Yet, neither Kings draft pick factored much in the outcome. Both players were limited to just one assist each.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
...And Now You're Caught Up
You should already know the score from last night's game. So, in no particular order, here are the ten other things you need to know heading into the work week ahead...
* Kyle Clifford continues to impress and now the sponsors are taking notice. This week the rookie signed an agreement with Bauer to wear their equipment from head to toe. He was already using their skates and sticks - I guess you can now add gloves, helmet, etc.
* More on The Colonel - If you missed UFC's pay-per-view card from Montreal by going to the Kings game instead Saturday night, you still got to see a great fight. Here's video of Clifford destroying Brad Staubitz.
* Last night was defenseman Rob Scuderi's 400th NHL game. It was also his 100th game with the Kings. When Willie Mitchell returns to the line-up this week it will be his 600th NHL game. We'll have more from Mitchell in an interview on Monday where he talks about reaching the milestone plus what he's learned about the team while being on the sidelines the last few weeks.
Wild 3, Kings 2, Refs -5
A few weeks ago Kings Coach Terry Murray didn't want to hear any noise about the schedule being part of the team's problems when they were losing. He wasn't concerned about the extra time off, basically saying professionals just deal with it.
Some similar thinking may be in order after the LA-Minnesota game on Saturday night because it would be too easy to simply blame the referees. From initial face-off to final whistle the game lacked any sort of flow - mainly due to a feeling that the officials spent most of the game trying to make-up for a call they missed moments earlier.
Heeding Murray's advice though, set that aside for the time being.
Here are some things the Kings can't do and expect to win a hockey game most nights...
* You can't let your goaltender be one of the other team's most productive players.
* You can't take an avoidable penalty in overtime.
* You can't let your best defenseman be the guy in the box during a crucial penalty kill in o/t.
Some similar thinking may be in order after the LA-Minnesota game on Saturday night because it would be too easy to simply blame the referees. From initial face-off to final whistle the game lacked any sort of flow - mainly due to a feeling that the officials spent most of the game trying to make-up for a call they missed moments earlier.
Heeding Murray's advice though, set that aside for the time being.
Here are some things the Kings can't do and expect to win a hockey game most nights...
* You can't let your goaltender be one of the other team's most productive players.
* You can't take an avoidable penalty in overtime.
* You can't let your best defenseman be the guy in the box during a crucial penalty kill in o/t.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Kings-Wild Preview with Jose Theodore
French Canadian goaltender. Debuted in the NHL as a teenager. Spent most of the next few seasons in the AHL. Finally arrived in the big show...with huge expectations. Perhaps even impossible to live up to.
Jonathan Bernier?
No, Jose Theodore.
Drafted by Montreal 44th overall at the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, expectations were huge right from the start. Come on, he was expected to one day replace Patrick Roy in net.
Eventually he left the Canadiens, making stops in Colorado and Washington before landing in Minnesota just before the start of this season. His primary job these days is backing up Niklas Backstrom. However, as I reported on twitter yesterday, he'll get the start tonight vs. the Kings.
Here are some thoughts from him regarding the match-up...
MM: Having played most of your career in the East, the Kings are a team you've only played 12 times during 11-plus years in the league. Any thoughts about facing them?
JT: Well, they're a good team. Look at the standings, they're right there. It's really tight. So, it's going to be a fun game to play and it should be a really fast game.
MM: The Kings will start Jonathan Quick. Would it be any more interesting if they went with Jonathan Bernier instead?
Jonathan Bernier?
No, Jose Theodore.
Drafted by Montreal 44th overall at the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, expectations were huge right from the start. Come on, he was expected to one day replace Patrick Roy in net.
Eventually he left the Canadiens, making stops in Colorado and Washington before landing in Minnesota just before the start of this season. His primary job these days is backing up Niklas Backstrom. However, as I reported on twitter yesterday, he'll get the start tonight vs. the Kings.
Here are some thoughts from him regarding the match-up...
MM: Having played most of your career in the East, the Kings are a team you've only played 12 times during 11-plus years in the league. Any thoughts about facing them?
JT: Well, they're a good team. Look at the standings, they're right there. It's really tight. So, it's going to be a fun game to play and it should be a really fast game.
MM: The Kings will start Jonathan Quick. Would it be any more interesting if they went with Jonathan Bernier instead?
Kings-Wild Preview with Andrew Brunette
Forward Andrew Brunette has 30 points (8g, 22a) in 41 career games vs. the Los Angeles Kings. He also has 18 points in 18 games at Staples Center.
After a three year run with the Colorado Avalanche (2005-08), he's now in the third year of his second tour of duty for the Minnesota Wild. A few weeks from now he'll be playing in his 1,000 NHL game. In the interview below he helps us preview tonight's Kings-Wild game...
MM: You guys are having an up and down season. Yet, you had a big win the other night in Phoenix. What type of momentum does that give you coming into the game against the Kings?
AB: We've had a hard time grabbing a hold of momentum and carrying it through. So, we'll find out. Hopefully, we can continue doing what we've been doing the last three or four games and get a big win.
MM: In Colorado a game vs. LA probably meant more than it does to the Wild, from a rivalry perspective. Having been part of those games, does this match-up mean anything to you personally?
After a three year run with the Colorado Avalanche (2005-08), he's now in the third year of his second tour of duty for the Minnesota Wild. A few weeks from now he'll be playing in his 1,000 NHL game. In the interview below he helps us preview tonight's Kings-Wild game...
MM: You guys are having an up and down season. Yet, you had a big win the other night in Phoenix. What type of momentum does that give you coming into the game against the Kings?
AB: We've had a hard time grabbing a hold of momentum and carrying it through. So, we'll find out. Hopefully, we can continue doing what we've been doing the last three or four games and get a big win.
MM: In Colorado a game vs. LA probably meant more than it does to the Wild, from a rivalry perspective. Having been part of those games, does this match-up mean anything to you personally?
Wild Comments on Patrick O'Sullivan
Earlier today we posted a preview of tonight's Kings game with the newest member of the Minnesota Wild, Patrick O'Sullivan.
Below are some comments on O'Sullivan from two other members of the Wild organization - coach Todd Richards and veteran forward Andrew Brunette. Both were asked how he's fitting in...
Richards: Patrick has come in and done a pretty good job for us. I've used him in a lot of different situations, a lot of different positions with a lot of different players. He has the skill. You can see that. The thing for him - because he can help us - he makes us a better team when he's going and he's playing. But, it's getting that consistent effort every night. I would say in the last two games he's played he's done a pretty good job for us. So, that's what we need each and every night, him being able to make those plays. He's a creative player, he makes our power play better and he makes the players around him better. He's a player we can use as long as he's out there working.
[Does any of this sound familiar?]
Brunette: I think he's fit in real well. He has some real good offensive instincts. That's an area we can always use more of, just like every other team. He knows where he's going in the offensive zone. He gets himself in the right place in the right time. So, he's fit in nice so far.
[More comments from Brunette coming up later today, including his thoughts on the Kings]
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Kings-Wild Game Preview with Patrick O'Sullivan
Game Preview with Jose Theodore - talking Bernier, Staples Center, Ryan Smyth, etc.
Game Preview with Andrew Brunette - talking Smyth, the Kings, Theodore vs. Backstrom, etc.
.
Below are some comments on O'Sullivan from two other members of the Wild organization - coach Todd Richards and veteran forward Andrew Brunette. Both were asked how he's fitting in...
Richards: Patrick has come in and done a pretty good job for us. I've used him in a lot of different situations, a lot of different positions with a lot of different players. He has the skill. You can see that. The thing for him - because he can help us - he makes us a better team when he's going and he's playing. But, it's getting that consistent effort every night. I would say in the last two games he's played he's done a pretty good job for us. So, that's what we need each and every night, him being able to make those plays. He's a creative player, he makes our power play better and he makes the players around him better. He's a player we can use as long as he's out there working.
[Does any of this sound familiar?]
Brunette: I think he's fit in real well. He has some real good offensive instincts. That's an area we can always use more of, just like every other team. He knows where he's going in the offensive zone. He gets himself in the right place in the right time. So, he's fit in nice so far.
[More comments from Brunette coming up later today, including his thoughts on the Kings]
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
Kings-Wild Game Preview with Patrick O'Sullivan
Game Preview with Jose Theodore - talking Bernier, Staples Center, Ryan Smyth, etc.
Game Preview with Andrew Brunette - talking Smyth, the Kings, Theodore vs. Backstrom, etc.
.
Kings-Wild Preview with Patrick O'Sullivan
Soon after Dean Lombardi arrived as GM of the LA Kings in 2006 he made two then-somewhat-unpopular trades. Eric Belanger and Tim Gleason were traded to Carolina for Jack Johnson. And Patrick O'Sullivan was acquired from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for Pavol Demitra.
It's obvious at this point which ended up being the better of the deals.
O'Sullivan has since played for three different teams - including two this year. Prior to tonight's game vs. the Kings, I sat down with him for some exclusive comments about the Kings-Wild match-up...
MM: You've been with Minnesota now for seven games. How are you fitting in?
POS: I think it's been pretty good. I feel pretty comfortable here and I'm starting to get used to how the team plays and the guys I'm playing with. It's been a bit of a struggle for our team lately. But, we had a good game in our last game - got a win against a good team in their rink, so it's something to build on (they beat the Coyotes 3-2 in Phoenix on Thursday). The Kings will be a tough test.
[note: after starting the year with the Carolina Hurricanes he was waived by them in late November]
MM: Going back to last month, did you see the end coming in Carolina or was it a bit of a surprise to you?
It's obvious at this point which ended up being the better of the deals.
O'Sullivan has since played for three different teams - including two this year. Prior to tonight's game vs. the Kings, I sat down with him for some exclusive comments about the Kings-Wild match-up...
MM: You've been with Minnesota now for seven games. How are you fitting in?
POS: I think it's been pretty good. I feel pretty comfortable here and I'm starting to get used to how the team plays and the guys I'm playing with. It's been a bit of a struggle for our team lately. But, we had a good game in our last game - got a win against a good team in their rink, so it's something to build on (they beat the Coyotes 3-2 in Phoenix on Thursday). The Kings will be a tough test.
[note: after starting the year with the Carolina Hurricanes he was waived by them in late November]
MM: Going back to last month, did you see the end coming in Carolina or was it a bit of a surprise to you?
Friday, December 10, 2010
Post Practice Comments - Kevin Westgarth
Here's some thoughts from Kevin Westgarth after the Kings practice this afternoon...
MM: The team has won three in a row to start off the month of December. What's been the biggest difference during this stretch compared to the rough patches in November?
KW: I think towards the end of our little skid we were playing some good hockey and just not getting the bounces. With a team like this, we have great veterans and great young guys. If everybody just sticks to the program, we're going to come out on top more often than not. So, that was basically the main thing - making sure we stuck to our guns and stuck to the game plan our coaches have set out for us from day one. It's starting to pay dividends back as we get rolling again.
MM: As a fan of the rough stuff, did you happen to notice that ear to ear smile on Kyle Clifford's face while he was going at it with Tim Jackman?
KW: Yeah, he enjoys it man. I think that's a huge part of being in that role. There's a lot of guys that don't (enjoy it). But, the more enjoyment you can take out of every part of life, the more you're going to be laughing. If he's enjoying getting punched in the face or punching other guys in the face, hey - that's awesome! It's great to have him as a teammate and a linemate too, right now. I just know that he has everybody's back on the team and he's a heck of a hockey player.
MM: He was off your line for a few games, moved up to the third line. Does it change your game at all having him back with you now?
KW: I think getting to play with guys more you become a little more accustom to them. You start to learn where they'll be without having to look and see if he's there on the ice. So, it definitely can build some pretty good chemistry. And I think Cliffy and I have a bit of that. So, I look forward to keeping it going. As Cliffy already put one in the net, maybe I'll be able to tap one in now or bounce one off my shin pads at some point soon.
MM: Looking ahead to Minnesota tomorrow night - you guys have already played them once. Any thoughts about the game?
KW: They're a solid team. Looking at the standings right now is pretty crazy because everybody is in a dog fight. In our division you have one team in first and all the others are tied for second. So, they're all important games. We know that Minnesota is a strong team. They've had their ups and downs, as well, this year. I know we're going to be ready. And again, the most important thing for us is to make sure we're doing our thing and playing our game.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
MM: The team has won three in a row to start off the month of December. What's been the biggest difference during this stretch compared to the rough patches in November?
KW: I think towards the end of our little skid we were playing some good hockey and just not getting the bounces. With a team like this, we have great veterans and great young guys. If everybody just sticks to the program, we're going to come out on top more often than not. So, that was basically the main thing - making sure we stuck to our guns and stuck to the game plan our coaches have set out for us from day one. It's starting to pay dividends back as we get rolling again.
MM: As a fan of the rough stuff, did you happen to notice that ear to ear smile on Kyle Clifford's face while he was going at it with Tim Jackman?
KW: Yeah, he enjoys it man. I think that's a huge part of being in that role. There's a lot of guys that don't (enjoy it). But, the more enjoyment you can take out of every part of life, the more you're going to be laughing. If he's enjoying getting punched in the face or punching other guys in the face, hey - that's awesome! It's great to have him as a teammate and a linemate too, right now. I just know that he has everybody's back on the team and he's a heck of a hockey player.
MM: He was off your line for a few games, moved up to the third line. Does it change your game at all having him back with you now?
KW: I think getting to play with guys more you become a little more accustom to them. You start to learn where they'll be without having to look and see if he's there on the ice. So, it definitely can build some pretty good chemistry. And I think Cliffy and I have a bit of that. So, I look forward to keeping it going. As Cliffy already put one in the net, maybe I'll be able to tap one in now or bounce one off my shin pads at some point soon.
MM: Looking ahead to Minnesota tomorrow night - you guys have already played them once. Any thoughts about the game?
KW: They're a solid team. Looking at the standings right now is pretty crazy because everybody is in a dog fight. In our division you have one team in first and all the others are tied for second. So, they're all important games. We know that Minnesota is a strong team. They've had their ups and downs, as well, this year. I know we're going to be ready. And again, the most important thing for us is to make sure we're doing our thing and playing our game.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Predictions for the 2010-11 NHL Season! What if....
In my case, some probably think I should stay away from predictions from this point forward.
Prior to the puck dropping on last season, I perfectly called the Kings finishing in sixth place (link is here for you Doubting Thomases). Most thought I was crazy for even thinking that at the time, as the mainstream hockey media had the Kings sneaking in around 8th...if they even made the playoffs at all.
Boy have times changed. The Kings are one of the trendy picks coming into this season. It's hard to believe, yet some even have them winning the Stanley Cup this year. Now, I'm not going to go that far (just yet).
However, after carefully reading the tea leaves, consulting with Sylvia Browne and having my palm read on Venice Beach yesterday, I'm ready. Below are my predictions for the 2010-11 season.
Western Conference
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