Special announcement re: first goal and ticket contest

First off, a huge thank you to all who have entered the First Goal Contest over the last few seasons. And a special congratulations to those who have won some of the myriad of prizes to be given away - from t-shirts to Kings tickets and much more.

Don't worry though, this isn't an announcement that it's ending. In fact, it's quite the opposite! Later this week, MayorsManor.com will go through a complete upgrade to our new website, call it MM v3.

One of the most common pieces of feedback we've received of late is the difficulty in leaving a comment on the current platform. The 'issues' don't seem to happen for everybody, so you may not have experienced the same thing as other users. That said, among the many reasons we've spent the past few months creating a new site is to make things easier on you - including better navigation, flexibility of content (i.e. audio, video, etc.) and, of course, the entire process of commenting on articles.

To kick things off, we're going to have a 'soft opening' today (to use a retail or restaurant term). The full site will launch later this week.

However, we'd like all readers wanting to enter the First Goal Contest tonight to post their guess here.

After submitting your entry - which should be SUPER easy with the new form - feel free to take MM v3 for a test drive. You can click around, see what you like, see what's there, explore away. The only thing we ask in return is that if you have ANY feedback (good or bad, doesn't matter), please send it over via the CONTACT tab on the new site. We've even made that easy now too and we'd like your input!

Please note, this is a COMPLETELY new website. In many ways we've tried to keep a similar look to the current site. But, you'll quickly notice many changes - like all new navigation, a new logo, a new layout on the home page and improvements to the 'article' pages. There are LOTS of changes.

Get started by clicking HERE.

Good luck!

Follow @mayorNHL

Can Jeff Carter get five tonight for the LA Kings?

Five seems to be the magic number for the Kings newest forward, Jeff Carter.

In seven games since being traded to Los Angeles, Carter has scored in two of them - and both times he had five shots on goal. The other games saw zero shots on goal (vs. Columbus), one (vs. Nashville, the 3/6 game), two (vs. Minnesota and Nashville) and four (vs. the Blackhawks).

With Carter in the line-up the Kings are 4-3. However, the biggest change has been an overall increase in scoring by the team as a whole. For the first time in a quite a while, LA has two legitimate lines for their opponents to worry about. And guys on the Kings top unit have taken notice of another key element Carter has added to the team's offense.

"He definitely has wheels," said Anze Kopitar. "In the middle of the ice in their zone, that's where he makes the most damage. He gets open in a hurry. Then, he gets rid of that puck in a hurry and that's what makes him such a goal scorer."

It hasn't taken Dustin Brown long to like what he sees as well.

"The biggest thing that stands out is his speed," said the Kings captain, when talking about Carter. "(Against Anaheim), he broke around and had that breakaway after getting the puck in stride, probably a step behind or even with the defenseman from the redline, and separated himself. When you have a guy finding holes...they create a lot. Having those jump-though-hole opportunities is a (direct) result of him being big and fast."

Can he generate at least five shots on goal tonight? That seems to be the magic number for Carter.

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
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor 

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

Dustin Brown's game plan vs Nasville, plus LA ticket contest

Nashville's Pekka Rinne (photo by: Ikiri)

Last week, the Kings traveled to Nashville, outshot the Predators 31-28 and still came away with a 2-1 loss. Revenge isn't the top priority for LA captain Dustin Brown at the moment though.

"Considering the situation, at this point in the year, you're not looking at the opponent as a team we just played a week ago," he said. "It's just another game we have to find a way to win."

Actually, 'two-points per night' has sort of turned into the unofficial rallying cry for the next four games. "There are some teams on this road trip that are really playing really good hockey and we have to be prepared to grind games out," Brown declared.

Tonight in Nashville, it certainly won't be as an easy one, as the Predators have earned at least one point in 12 straight games at home.

"I thought we played a good game last time though," said the Kings leading goal scorer. "We went in there and did a lot of good things last time. Now, we have to have the same effort and find ways to score more goals."

Which means, in part, finding a way to beat Nashville's Pekka Rinne. The Preds' stellar netminder leads the league with 36 wins and sports a .927 save percentage.

So how do they beat him?

Ducks Kings primer - Where is all this confidence coming from?

Who will score the first goal of the night for the Kings?

Here's what the players had to say when asked that question yesterday after practice. It should be noted that all season long, the only player to not take somebody else was Doughty. He went with himself for a game about a month ago (but, didn't turn the trick).

This time around, the whole room was feeling lucky...

Jarret Stoll - "I'll take myself, I'm due."

Kyle Clifford - "I feel pretty confident in myself, I take me."

Trevor Lewis - "I'm going to say myself."

Jeff Carter - "Probably me...I want it, I need it"

Doughty - he just pointed at himself and said, "Me!"

Brad Richardson - "I have a pretty good feeling about myself."

Not so sure how that's going to be possible from the press box, as he's scheduled to be a healthy scratch.

Richardson went on to say, "I'll give an honorable mention to Carts. But, most likely, it will be me."

Colin Fraser, who sits next to Richardson in the locker room at TSC was willing to double down on the idea, chiming in with "It's going to be Richie, on a pass from me."

Dwight King had other ideas - "I'll go with my right winger, Carts. I think he's due. He had quite a few shots the last game and he's bound to have one go in."

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 Ducks...or reply to the facebook / twitter updates that will be posted around 7:00pm. All correct answers will be pooled together and one random winner will be awarded the tickets. Good luck!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

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.

Dustin Brown on playing the Blues, plus tonight's tix contest

Beginning tonight in St. Louis, the Kings will play 14 of their next 18 games on the road. And the first one out of the chute won't be easy for LA, as the Blues have only lost three games on home ice this season. However, one of those came to the Kings in a 3-2 contest back in November.

Prior to heading out of town, here's what Dustin Brown had to say about the team's annual Grammy trip...

"The one game that stands out is that very first one. St. Louis has probably been one of the hottest teams since their coaching change. So, I think going in there, on the road, with the way they're playing, it's going to be a big test for us."

Here's a look at how several of the Kings have performed against the Blues in the past...

Anze Kopitar - 9 goals in 22 games

Brown - 13 goals in 27 games

Justin Williams - one goal in 17 games

Dustin Penner - eight goals in 20 games
Mike Richards - two goals in six games

Jarret Stoll - six goals in 27 games

Drew Doughty -  one goal in 13 games

Jack Johnson - no goals in 15 games

If you'd like to participate in the the MayorsManor First Goal Contest tonight, we'll be giving away a free pair of tickets to the next home game (2/16 vs. the Phoenix Coyotes). It's easy to play, simply leave a comment below with the LA player you think will score first vs. the Blues...or reply to the facebook / twitter updates that will be posted around 5:00pm. All correct answers will be pooled together and one random winner will be awarded the tickets. Good luck!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

Pennercakes - Full details on 'Pancakes with Penner' event

Are you ready to have pancakes with Dustin Penner?

Well, then mark your calendar for Monday, February 13th. The event will be hosted by the IHOP in Westchester, located just a few miles north of the Kings training facility in El Segundo.

As previously announced, tickets to this event will be awarded via a raffle, with all money raised being donated to the Kings Care Foundation.  There are three different 'prize pack' options to chose from and 75 winners will be randomly selected next Thursday, February 9. Each winner will be allowed to bring one guest with them to the event.

Want more? Every person purchasing a raffle ticket gets a signed Dustin Penner player card. So, nobody is walking away empty handed here.

If you're one of the lucky 75 though, you'll also get to enjoy an all you can eat breakfast, complete with pancakes, bacon, eggs, coffee, juice, etc. with Penner!  Bailey and the LA Kings ice crew will be on hand as well.

Submissions are only being accepted until 3:00pm on February 9, 2012. So, hurry up! Head over to www.LAKings.com/pancakes and secure your entry.

To read the original story and how this all started, click here for the open letter Penner posted here on MayorsManor.

Good luck and happy eating!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

LA Kings stats vs Senators and ticket contest details

In the last meeting between the Kings and Senators (on November 22, 2010), Anze Kopitar opened the scoring 10 minutes into the first period. LA eventually lost that game 3-2. It stands as Kopitar's only goal vs Ottawa in four career games. How have some of his teammates fared?

Dustin Brown - no goals in six games

Justin Williams - five goals in 27 games

Dustin Penner - three goals in six games

Mike Richards - 12 goals in 21 games

Jarret Stoll - no goals in five games

Drew Doughty - one goal in three games

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.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

CONTEST: Tebow your way to Kings Meet the Players Party

We have one final pair of tickets to giveaway for tonight's Meet the Players Party. If you'd like to snap a pic or get an autograph from - or even just say hi to - your favorite LA Kings player, you'll want these tickets.

Entering is easy. In honor of Jack Johnson striking a Tebow pose as part of his post-goal celebration last night, we want to see you 'doing the Tebow' in your Kings jersey. You have until noon today (PST) to get your submissions in. Post them on our facebook page, send them over via twitter or email them to the address on our contact us page listed above. Your choice.

One random winner will be selected this afternoon.  If you're not quite sure what to do, just watch Jack do it here.

Good luck!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

First Goal Contest - win tickets to Meet the Players Party

Are you as good as Dustin Brown?

Prior to Thursday's game against the Coyotes he came on MayorsManor and predicted Drew Doughty would score the first goal for the Kings. Not only did #8 find the back of the net, it stood as the game winner.

Unfortunately, there was no sign of Doughty and Jarret Stoll doing another one of their 'love tap' goal celebrations though.

Today, we'll be running another First Goal Contest as part of the Kings game. One lucky winner will win a pair of tickets to the Kings' Meet the Players Party - scheduled to take place this coming Tuesday.

If you like to play the odds, here's some past performance information to help you with your pick. This is a list of a few LA Kings and their career numbers vs. the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Dustin Brown five goals in 24 games
Drew Doughty two in 13
Jack Johnson zero in 14
Anze Kopitar 11 in 19
Dustin Penner seven in 22
Mike Richards one in five
Jarret Stoll four in 28
Justin Williams five in 14

Of course, you can also go with Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis, Willie Mitchell or a bunch of other guys.

So, who do you think will score first for the Kings today?

Entering is easy, either log in via the website or just use your facebook profile below. Submit your answer and you could win a pair of tickets to the Kings' Meet the Players Party. Good luck!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor 

LA Kings at Dallas Stars - what to watch for, Penner edition

In a pre-game story that reads much like Tuesday's script vs. New Jersey, much of the focus for the Kings will be on goaltending and Dustin Penner.

LA comes into the game with a 5-2-1 record and is looking to bounce back from an embarrassing 3-0 loss at home on Tuesday, where coach Terry Murray put the blame on poor puck management, resulting in bad turnovers.

Here are a few things to watch for as the Kings open a three-game road trip tonight vs. the Dallas Stars...

- Goaltending: After giving back-up Andrew Raycroft a chance in net vs the Kings on Saturday, the Stars will return to regular starter Kari Lehtonen tonight. He comes in with a 7-0 record this season, on the back of .955 save percentage and 1.54 goals-against average. The Kings will counter with Jonathan Quick, who has shutout his last three opponents and has a lifetime record of 11-3-0 vs the Stars, including wins in his last five against them.

- Dustin Penner: On November 23, 2005, Penner made his NHL debut for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in Texas, against the Dallas Stars. He had five shots, zero points and two penalty minutes that night. He could really use a better performance tonight. Due to his recent play, and the Kings inability to generate much offense over the last three games, Penner will drop down a line tonight, playing with Jarret Stoll and Brad Richardson on the third unit.

- Scott Parse: He had only played in one game this season after a disastrous training camp, where he was routinely the focus of negative attention. Murray wasn't sure what to make of Parse's 'it's all between my ears' feeling a few weeks ago. It will be interesting to see if Murray has a short rope with him tonight on the second line with Mike Richards and Dustin Brown.

Win a 4-pack of tickets to Kings Alumni and Ontario Reign

This Saturday, the Ontario Reign and the Kings Alumni Association are teaming up for a special double header...and we have 20 tickets to giveaway!

At 3pm a team of Kings Alumni will skate in a special game vs. a group of local players. [UPDATE: The roster is scheduled to include Valeri Bure, Brandon Convery, Mark Hardy, Brad Norton, Jamie Storr, Ian Turnbull, J.F. Jomphe and Matt Kopitar - father of Kings center Anze Kopitar. Glen Murray will serve as the coach of the team.]

Then, at 6pm, the Ontario Reign will take on the Colorado Eagles. Of course, Hardy is now the assistant coach for the Reign, and Kings' goaltending prospect JF Berube is the team's number one netminder this season. As a special bonus, the Reign will be wearing a Kings themed jersey for the game.

Some of the Kings Alumni will be signing autographs during intermission of the Reign game.

If you'd like to win a 4-pack of some prime tickets - located in the 'wrap around attack' section of the lower bowl, valued at $23 each - simply send an email to ticketcontest@MayorsManor.com - all entries must include your name, address and phone number.

Good luck, we'll announce the winners on Friday morning.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

RELATED ARTICLES:

Reign Preview:  Hardy behind the bench, Berube in net

JF Berube may need a new nickname

Luc Robitaille talks how and why the LA Kings changed jerseys

NHL Premiere: caption these three Drew Doughty photos

After a summer filled with some nervous Kings fans wondering if Drew Doughty would ever play a game in Los Angeles again - despite several reassurances by team management that he wasn't going to be traded and it was 'just business - the talented blueliner finally inked a deal on September 30th.

And while those same fans couldn't wait to see him back on the ice, it seems the photographers in Hamburg yesterday couldn't resist taking photos of him on the ice - literally!

Kudos to the Hamburg Freezers for posting several non-traditional hockey shots from the Kings 5-4 win in their final pre-season tune-up prior to Friday's NHL season opener.

So, let's have some fun with the three shots below - see if you can come up with the best caption for any or all of the pictures.

DREW DOUGHTY #1

DREW DOUGHTY #2

Drew Doughty contract - poll results and NEW contest

Los Angeles Kings fans have spoken!

The results of our 'When will Drew Doughty re-sign with the Kings?' poll are now complete and only 3% of you think a deal will be reached by this weekend.

At the other end of the spectrum (read: extreme cynics), 7% say it won't happen until after the team returns from their season opening trip to Europe. Ouch.

Training camp is set to open on September 16 and about 10% predict it will happen some time during the following week.

Then, there's the majority - 68% of the voters have narrowed it down to a two week window - the larger portion of that group (40% of total voters) have the new contract being signed between September 12-16 and the other 28% think a deal gets done between September 4-11.

So, let's have some fun with this...

If you'd like to pick the EXACT day and win a free MayorsManor t-shirt, enter our all new contest by following these simple instructions:

Free tickets to the regular season finale at home!

The contest for a free pair of tickets to the Kings vs. Oilers game on April 10, 2010 is now closed. The winner has been selected, contacted and confirmed. Thank you for entering. Please continue to read MayorsManor for future contests.

The original posting can be viewed after the jump...

Official Contest Rules

Official Rules for all contests appearing on MayorsManor.com (unless otherwise specified): No purchase necessary to enter. All prizes awarded are "as stated" only; they do not include travel, spending money, parking or anything else. All rights reserved. All entries become property of www.MayorsManor.com. All legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. states are eligible, any travel required is the sole responsible of the winner. Must be 18 years of age or older to win any/all prize(s) or contest(s) on MayorsManor.com. Some, but not all, contests include game tickets. Each contest clearly states what the prize will be, nothing more, nothing less.  If game tickets are clearly listed as a prize award, such tickets belong to MayorsManor.com and have nothing to do with the Los Angeles Kings, the NHL or any other affiliated party. By accepting the prize/ticket(s), the winner is agreeing to accept all liability and comply with all rules listed on the tickets and at the venue. MayorsManor.com is not responsible for lost or stolen prizes - including lost or stolen tickets. Once the winner receives the prize/tickets (or any other contest award), winner is solely responsible for all liability from that point forward. By participating each entrant agrees to release MayorsManor.com and its affiliates from any and all liability that may occur, directly or indirectly, from trying to (a) win prize and/or tickets, (b) attending any event resulting in a contest award or (c) using the award and/or prize(s) after they have been transferred to the winner. Once winners are selected, MayorsManor.com will attempt to contact winner via information provided at time of entry (usually via email). It is winner's sole responsibility to respond in a reasonable time frame to arrange for ticket delivery, no later than 48 hours after the initial contest ends or no less than 24 hours prior to game time if contest includes game tickets - whichever is earlier. MayorsManor is not responsible for incorrect information supplied when entering contest(s). It is winner's responsibility to make contact with MayorsManor. Non response will be considered a forfeit of prize(s). Further, if winner is lucky enough to win game tickets, winner agrees to smile and have fun at the game. They cannot wear visiting team t-shirt or hat. Must cheer loudly each time the LA Kings score. All prizes have no cash value and cannot be exchanged for any other prize or award, now or in the future. Winners are ineligible to win future contests for a period of 30 (thirty) days.  For a copy of the official rules, please cut/paste this information into a Word doc and select print.

Please note: these rules are subject to immediate change in the future, based on the needs of MayorsManor.

2011 LA Kings pre-season ticket giveaway

September 21, 2011
2011 Pre-season ticket giveaway

Over the last few days we've given away three pairs of lower bowl tickets to tonight's pre-season game between the Los Angeles Kings vs. the Phoenix Coyotes.

We're back for one final giveaway...and these are the last tickets we have for this game.

Up for grabs - FOUR TICKETS in the upper bowl!

Here's what you need to do to win them...

Simply leave a comment on ANY article we've posted since training camp opened up last week. Don't talk about the contest, instead - focus on what was in the article. Say something about the player, the topic, etc.

It doesn't have to be long...just a sentence or two will do.

NOTE: 'Anonymous' posts do not count.  You can either leave a comment using your facebook profile or by giving a screen name when using the 'select profile' feature (right below the comment box, simply select the option for 'Name/URL').

After you've left your comment, send an email to DD8contest@MayorsManor.com with a link to the article you left a comment on and your contact info.

The winner will announced shortly after 2pm today and the tickets will be emailed out.

Good luck!

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

for official contest rules, click here