Matt Greene on Kings v Red Wings, plus tonight's ticket contest

For the Kings, their last visit to Joe Louis Arena wasn't pretty. An 8-2 loss in mid-December stands as perhaps their worst game of the year. However, to be fair, it came just a few days after the firing of Terry Murray - at a time when the team was in limbo wondering what would happen next, while John Stevens stood in as interim coach.

Prior to that game, LA had experienced rather unusual success in a building that's normally tough for most opponents. They were winners of three straight there, including a 5-0 shutout last year that was one of Jonathan Quick's best games in the NHL. He stopped 51 shots that night, something he's not likely to have to repeat tonight.

The Kings will be facing a banged up Detroit team - playing without Nicklas Lidstrom, Jimmy Howard, Pavel Datsyuk, Todd Bertuzzi, Jonathan Ericsson and a few others.

Still, it's the Red Wings. Just ask Matt Greene, who shared the following comments with MayorsManor about tonight's game...

"Detroit in Detroit? It is what it is - everybody knows that. Those aren't easy points," said Greene, who leads all Kings defenseman with 201 hits.

On Wednesday night's MayorsManor LIVE show, Greene talked about what it's like to play in front of friends and family back in Michigan. Dustin Brown also shared his thoughts on the challenges younger players have when going to Detroit for the first time. If you missed the show, you can hear their interviews here.

The Kings are expected to make one line-up change tonight, with Brad Richardson joining the fourth line in place of rookie Jordan Nolan. Last weekend, Richardson took himself for 'first goal' vs. the Ducks - saying he had 'a pretty good feeling about himself.' However, he was a healthy scratch that night, so we'll have to see if his confidence is still in place vs. the Red Wings.

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 Red Wings...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!

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Honestly, Simon Gagne is just trying to be honest

Gagne in no contact jersey (photo: D. Sheehan)

When Ryan Smyth was traded to the Oilers last summer, the Kings were left with a big hole on the left side - a position they were already thin in. So, it wasn't much of a surprise when GM Dean Lombardi signed free agent Simon Gagne to take his place. The seven-time 20 goal scorer, was given a two-year contract. But, he had missed about 20 games each of the two seasons prior with various injuries.

Even so, his 17 goals in those injury-shortened campaigns were enough of a hope for a team needing offense. With only seven goals for the Kings this year though, LA sure could have used 10 more.

Yet, these days, stats aren't the primary focus for Gagne. He's been out of action with a concussion since the day after Christmas.

Having already missed 29 games and without any real timetable in place for his return, Gagne has recently started skating again - by himself and usually before or after the Kings practice. It's given him a chance to be around the team again while he and the doctors assess what's next.

Over the weekend, we caught up with him...

First question, of course, was how's he doing?

"Not bad, it's getting there," began Gagne. "Still not 100%, but there are no setbacks right now. It's improving and that's a good sign. Sometimes with these injuries you see guys having a setback, they need to take it easy. Sometimes they push themselves and (the symptoms return). So, right now, every time I'm pushing it's OK. So, it's a good sign."

How difficult has it been to sit out on the sidelines the last few months while the team has struggled to score...and, more recently, to not be able to play with Jeff Carter, his former teammate from Philadelphia?

Nolan, King up and Voynov, Stoll out for LA Kings

Slava Voynov is on his way back to Manchester. It's an easy move to understand, as the team was carrying an extra defenseman and it seems that coach Darryl Sutter has settled on Alec Martinez. Thus, it was time for Voynov to head back to the AHL, where he can play large minutes every night and continue his development.

Jarret Stoll was also placed on injured reserve with the ever-popular 'lower body injury.' No timetable has been set for his return.

And then there's this - forwards Jordan Nolan and Dwight King were called up from Manchester. In a nutshell, they're two of the Monarchs leading point producers and the two biggest forwards not named Ray Kaunisto. At 6-foot-3, both are just an inch shy of twitter phenom-to-be RayK71.

Speaking of 71, that's the number Nolan will wear when he makes his NHL debut tomorrow vs. the Islanders. King will wear #74, the same jersey he sported during his six-game NHL stint last season.

King, originally selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NHL Draft, had posted 11 goals, 18 assists 20 penalty minutes and a plus-6 rating over 50 games with Manchester this season.

Nolan, a seventh round selection at the 2009 NHL Draft, has probably been the Monarchs most improved player this season - with nine goals, 13 assists and 119 PIM. Both players also spent a little bit of time with the Ontario Reign (ECHL) after first turning pro.

Richards - plenty to say about NHL rules, Morrow, Kopitar

After the game last night, Kings forward Mike Richards wasn't happy with the instigator penalty he was assigned in his fight with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow.

Prior to the Kings boarding a plane for Calgary, he had a chance to speak about the entire incident at the Kings training facility in El Segundo...

On the overall situation - "I think the most frustrating thing is if the NHL is trying to get us to wear visors, and then we get penalized for fighting with them on. I think it kind of defeats the purpose...You hear all the speculation of having the set fights and fighting in the moment and things like that, but then when you do fight in the moment, you get penalized for it because you had a visor on. I don’t really understand the whole thing about visors, and if they want people to wear them or not. It just seems like every day something new."

On similar situations in the past - "I can’t remember ever getting an instigator on plays like that. Usually it’s a two minute roughing or something like that, but the refs are there to call what they see. They made the right calls, I mean you can’t argue with that, but I just think it’s a dumb rule in place."

On Kopitar being hit by Morrow moments prior - "I was obviously scared for Kopi and you never like to see a player like that. Even though it was a shoulder to shoulder hit, it was a dangerous play and it’s good to see that he’s healthy and doing well. Like I said, it was just one of those in the moment things. If you’re going to get penalized for sticking up for your teammates, it’s a tough message to send around the league."

VIDEO: Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar

At the 12:12 mark of the third period - with the LA Kings leading by a goal - Stars' captain Brenden Morrow put a hit on Anze Kopitar as he was trying to come from behind the net and possibly wrap around the goaltender.

Kopitar did not return to the game, due to something coach Darryl Sutter described as 'a bloody nose' during his post game presser. Mike Richards went after Morrow and ended up receiving enough penalties to put the Stars on a four minute power play. Dallas scored, ruining the Kings extended penalty kill success of late. And, more importantly, it was the goal they needed to push the game into overtime.

The question of the hour is was the hit legal? Take a look...

VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP

Dustin Brown shaken up on play, sees the doctor twice

Late in the game Monday night vs. Colorado, with LA on a power play, Dustin Brown was hit in the head with a puck right in front of the net. It was a play that may have gone largely unnoticed, except for when the Kings captain went to skate after the puck in the corner, he fell down and seemed out of it as he skated to the bench moments later.

Coach Darryl Sutter gave one of his (gaining in popularity) three-word answers when asked about it after the game - "Pucks are hard."

So, following practice today, I asked Brown what was going on there and if he had he fully recovered before taking his turn in the shootout.

"I feel good today," said Brown. "I think that's kind of natural. I went to tip it and I think their D hit it and (the puck) caught me right under my helmet - on the back of the head. Yesterday I went and saw the doctor and I saw him again today. So, everything is good."

As for the little twirl around the ice he took right before the shootout, Brown explained it this way - "My balance was off a little bit, getting back to the bench after (the hit). I just wanted to make sure I could skate before I went in the shootout."

Taking nothing away from Avs' goalie Semyon Varlamov, perhaps that's part of the reason why Brown missed on his shot.  He had been red hot recently, picking up the deciding goals in shootout wins vs. Anaheim and Toronto just before the Christmas break.

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Dustin Brown on what the Kings used to beat the Ducks

Mike Richards on coach Sutter and his return vs Ducks

In perhaps the best news of the day for the LA Kings, Mike Richards has been officially activated from IR and is set to play in tonight's game vs. the Anaheim Ducks.

The Kings top goal scorer through the first two months of the season, Richards has missed the last eight games due to concussion like symptoms suffered in a game against Florida on December 1st.

His return will be more than welcomed by an offense that hasn't scored more than two goals in a game without him. He missed the team's last game vs. Anaheim. However, in the two previous games with the Ducks this season, Richards scored three goals.

Due to the NHL roster freeze until next week, he was able to be activated from IR without a corresponding roster move. However, the situation probably is just delaying the inevitable, as one will be needed next week (provided everybody remains healthy until then).

After practice today, Richards provided a few early thoughts on the Kings new head coach, Darryl Sutter...

"Just as I expected, he's a very smart hockey guy. At times, it's tough to tell in practice. But, I've talked to a lot of people around the league who have played for him and I didn't hear one bad thing about him. He's an intense guy and demands the best. I think that's what we need right now."

On his return to action tonight, Richards added - "I'm excited to play again. It's frustrating just sitting in a dressing room and not being able to do anything to help. So, I'm looking forward to playing."

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LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on cheating vs earning it

The Dean Lombardi show continues. Already posted are quotes about Steve Yzerman nearly being traded by the Red Wings, Bobby Valentine coaching the Red Sox and the Kings needing an identity - and yes, those three things are related to his hiring of Darryl Sutter as coach of the Kings.

If you're late to the party, all of today's Deano Moments were courtesy of a 30-minute scrum with the boss following today's presser in El Segundo.

Here's the Kings GM on improvements needed by the team...

"I don't want to change our game. What Murph [Terry Murray] put in place, as far as defensively top-5 in the league, that has to stay. We have to add to our game. Part of that is we're going to make it more difficult on you. That's going to be a transition."

More on the same topic...

"You have to make sure you're not a dinosaur. But, you still come back to this is a simple game. And you see it in the playoffs. At times in the regular season it can look certain ways and you can get away with things, 3-in-4 nights. But, let's get real. When you see those playoffs, they're a war. And if you're ever going to be there, you better learn it. You can maybe cheat your way through some points at times in the regular season. But, I think it's a short cut. When you're going to go up against the Bruins in seven games, like you saw last year, and going into Chicago last year, those series - those are wars. You might as well earn it during the regular season."

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Dean Lombardi on the LA Kings using injuries as an excuse

More from Kings GM Dean Lombardi following today's press conference where Darryl Sutter was announced as the LA Kings new head coach...

- On injuries this season and if the team was different with Mike Richards in the line-up - "You could say that - or Drew, if you want to go to the holdout, then Drew getting a concussion, then Mike going out. But the reality is, every team deals with it. That's always going to be the case. So, what do you need to learn (from it)? Hey, when these guys are out, Stollie, Brownie, Kopi, you have to pick it up. Again, that's part of the process. I don't think you can use injuries. And I don't think the players feel that (way either). In talking to them a lot this week, I never got that sense that they were using injuries as an excuse. I think they were pretty good about (saying) - 'Hey, we gotta be better.'"

- On the sense that he did get from the players - "The one think about this group, and I think it's critical, there's no question they care. If you don't care, then you can't push and you're never going to get to where you want to go. (Last) Monday was hard on all of us. Then, meeting with them again on Wednesday, I don't doubt that they (felt) accountable, there is a sense. I think they all respected Murph [Terry Murray], as we all do. There was no question, to a man, they thought he was a good man. In the end, I think I like the way they handled it. It wasn't easy. And it wasn't an easy meeting on Wednesday either. But, there were no punches pulled. Sometimes the ones you get maddest at the most are the ones you love the most."

More to come.

Already posted - Lombardi on identity, expectations and the Red Wings nearly trading Steve Yzerman (read it here).

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Dr. Terry Murray with the latest updates from the infirmary

Besides the fact that many guys IN the line-up haven't been producing at their normal levels, the Kings also have several players OUT of the line-up lately.

Following practice today, coach Murray provided updates on the four players who all seem to be just days away from returning...

On Justin Williams (hand injury suffered last night) - "It's more of a therapy day, rehab day...it is (related to being hit on the hand last night in Anaheim)...I do expect it [him to be in the line up tomorrow]. I don't know that for absolute. He'll get treatment today, come in tomorrow and give us a feel as to how he’s doing.

On Mike Richards (on IR following hit last Thursday) - "Progressing. That's all I can say. That’s all I know, actually. He’s in every day, riding the bike, getting more acclimated, getting exercise and a feel for his own self...usually the players see doctors on game night. So, I'm sure they'll have another conversation tomorrow."

On Willie Mitchell (sore groin suffered last Thursday) - "Full practice, looks really good, skated and participated in all the drills, looked comfortable. I’ll have a conversation with him here after, to see where he’s at for tomorrow...I think after Willie goes through the practice here today, it's going to be more important to see how he is in the morning, rather than this afternoon. We'll make a decision after the morning skate."

On Alec Martinez (on IR following Minnesota game on 11/12) - "Pretty close to getting going. He’s been out there the last few days in practice, doing everything and feeling pretty comfortable. So, it’s just a matter of getting everybody in here tomorrow and seeing how they’re doing."

Asked if there was a possibility both Mitchell and Martinez would be in the line-up tomorrow, Murray said, "I don't think so. One of the two, it's a good possibility."

Last hour, Murray talked at length about the Kings' lack of scoring (link).

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Stoll is looking for 'more than one or two goals' vs Anaheim

Stoll vs. the Ducks (photo: M. Zampelli)

Jarret Stoll just continues to do whatever is asked of him.

Coming into the season, the Kings needed Stoll to become the team's new third line center, dropping down a line to make room for newly-acquired Mike Richards. Then, a few weeks ago, he was moved to right wing in an attempt to improve LA's anemic offensive output. Now, for the last four periods, he's been back as the second line center, due to an injury suffered by Richards (coming on a hit by Sean Bergenheim) in the second period of last Thursday's game with Florida.

Tonight, the Kings will travel to Anaheim and play in a building Stoll seems to enjoy playing in, picking up 14 points (three goals, 11 assists) in 16 career games.  He also has recorded more shots on goal there (41 total) than in any other road city.

LA will have a new obstacle though, Bruce Boudreau will be behind the bench for Anaheim. Since being hired last week, the Ducks have gone 0-2 for their new leader.  Yet, they scored three goals in both losses - a feat the Kings haven't accomplished in two weeks.

"They're all tough games and (this) one will be too. They will be a highly incented group to play hard and play smart for him and get a win for him," said Stoll, while referencing the Ducks new head coach. "We have to bring our game. We have to pick up our game. Our number one focus is probably scoring and putting the puck in the back of the net, getting more than one or two goals."

If that's going to happen, his line will most likely need to contribute.

Stoll has only one goal in his last 21 games and his right wing, Trent Hunter, has yet to score a goal this season. Meanwhile, Dustin Brown will be looking to continue his recent strong play at left wing.

Game time is 7pm.

Also, please note that all shirts in the MayorsManor store are on sale for 50% OFF until midnight tonight.  The offer code is given down below.

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Is Dustin Penner planning a heel turn?

In pro wrestling, one of the keys to any good heel turn is a slow simmering build. It's as if the audience knows it's coming like a storm from far off in the distance. They can see it. They're just never sure if or when it will reach land.

On January 23, 1984 Hulk Hogan won the WWF Championship in Madison Square Garden and he was riding high as the top babyface in the business for the better part of the next decade. Then, in 1994, he signed with rival WCW, based in Atlanta, GA. Two years later, after the fans had already begun to boo him, Hogan turned heel and formed the New Wold Order - more commonly known as the NWO.

In June 2007, Dustin Penner won the Stanley Cup. He was the toast of the town and the Oilers agreed - signing him to a big money, five-year contract to get him to jump ship and come play in Edmonton. Late last February he was traded to LA and PennerMania took off. Kings fans couldn't get enough of the team's new left wing.

When his production dried up late in the year though, some fans started to grumble. Throughout the summer he trained, ate his vitamins and said his prayers - and it looked like a new-and-improved #25 was about to emerge. However, injuries have slowed him down so far this season and the once small group of hardcore fans that had turned against him seem to be adding new members at an alarming rate.

Then, this...

During a casual conversation with Penner after practice yesterday, something interesting happened...

Penner on missing the Ducks game, when he'll be back

Penner after LA Kings practice

When the Kings returned from Europe last month, Matt Greene shared a story about the one thing he never wants to see again...and yes, it had to do with Dustin Penner.

Well, yesterday, it wasn't quite up to the level of the Greene story - but, Penner was practicing with a yellow jersey on, due to his 'upper body' injury.

As Jarret Stoll referred to him - Penner is just a large, bear of a man.  So, that's a lot of yellow and perhaps too much for the eyes.

He was the last one off the ice. In fact, by the time he made his way to the back, all other players were gone. Yet, as The Killers played on the ipod in the background, we had time for a quick chat...

MM: Any idea when you'll be back?

DP: Day to day, month to month, to week to week.

MM: That's about as clear as a middle body injury.

POLL: Which player should the LA Kings call up today?

Two big things happened over the weekend. First, the Kings offense woke up and scored five goals on Saturday night - the third time they've hit the nickel mark this season. Then, yesterday, left wing Dustin Penner was placed on the injured reserve list for a hand injury he suffered back in Thursday night's game vs. the Canucks.

When Scott Parse went down last week, center Colin Fraser was activated.

This time around, they don't have an extra forward here in LA waiting around. So, expect to see somebody from Manchester (AHL) headed West.

Down two left wings, who could it be?

Here are the likely candidates to select from (in alphabetical order)...

Rich Clune, LW - one of only two players on this list who has NHL experience (played 14 games for the Kings in 2009-10)...is known primarily as an agitator, he plays a high energy game and ironically, any consideration he gets will be in large part be due to two players who left the organization

Ray Kaunisto, LW - one of the rare left wings on this list and the funniest guy from Manchester on twitter...he'll call out anybody, even his own wife

Dwight King, LW - the other player on the list with NHL experience (six games last year)...he was also the guy the team tried to call up when Jarret Stoll was suspended in the playoffs, but they couldn't get it done in time...was one of the last players cut in camp this season...has six points in 17 games with Manchester this season

Dustin Penner talks Fight Club in post game scrum

Dustin Penner followed-up on last night's 'best period as a King' (the first period vs San Jose) with his best game as a King.

On the score sheet he had two assists, was plus-2 and had 14 minutes of ice time. Yet, that wasn't really the story. He just looked good out on the ice - something that hasn't always been the case this season.

With an ear to ear grin, here are some thoughts he shared in the locker room following the game...

On the struggles - "When you're struggling like this, you go through a lot of different (emotions) and question why it's happening. I think for me, it was just to stop worrying about it and just go out there are play."

On how he felt playing his third game in four nights - "I felt great. That's where my conditioning came in. I think if you asked anybody in Edmonton, my third game in four nights would never be very good."

On his first multi-point night as a King - "Feels good. There were probably a few more points out there for me too. But, I like the chances our line is getting now and even on the power play, and for myself, the quality scoring chances. It's up to me to bury them and focus on that, not just getting them."

Scott Parse, Terry Murray and their 'issues'

Left wing. If only solving the Kings' challenges at that position was as easy as typing those eight letters.

Last year, Scott Parse missed nearly the entire season due to hip surgery. A December trade for Marco Sturm wasn't the answer. A February trade for Dustin Penner yielded few points. And then, Ryan Smyth asked for a trade over the summer.

It's been challenging to say the least.

Earlier today, Kings coach Terry Murray gave us the latest on Penner. Now, let's focus on Parse.

His march to the dog house during training camp was well documented here on MayorsManor. And just a week ago, Parse was on the sidelines, talking about having to wait his turn.

Then, he slipped into the line-up last Thursday.  After practice today, he reflected on the joy of hearing he was going to play vs. the Stars.

"Very excited," was how Parse described the news. "No one likes sitting out. So, it was nice to get back in there."

Not only did he play, but he picked up a goal too.

"Goals are nice. I haven't scored in a year. So, that felt real nice," said Parse. "You don't really think about it at the time though. The injury's in the past. You just think about the game. I was thinking about what I had to do for the next shift. I'm just kind of in the moment out there."

The one thing Matt Greene never wants to see again, ever!

Penner - on the plane or the Space Shuttle? 

About a month ago, while we were collecting sound bites for an upcoming podcast, Matt Greene made of an offhanded comment when asked 'Who will be the worst dressed player on the trip?'

After selecting Dustin Penner he added 'because you never know what he's going to pull out that bag.' And little did he know how true those words would end up being.

Before the team was even in the air and on their way to Germany, Jonathan Quick snapped the photo to the left. It captured Penner settling in on the plane, looking more like he was getting ready to go surf the Atlantic than fly over it.

So, just what was the big left winger wearing?

"It's something you hope to never see again on a human being, especially a bear like that," said Jarret Stoll earlier this week. "He's got a lot of stuff going on, that guy."

Sounds like the comedy started early on the trip.

"Oh yeah, I think everyone gave him a couple jabs," Jack Johnson shared. "If a guy's bigger than you, you kind of leave him alone a little bit. But, Greener gave it to him the most."

Although he may have had a lot to say about then, Greene's trying to forget about it now.

Exclusive: Dustin Penner explains his injuries in exact detail

Lately, when Dustin Penner has appeared on MayorsManor, the subject matter has been largely comical. In the exclusive interview below though, he goes into specific detail about his injuries that have kept him out of the line-up a few times already this season.

First, he talks about when he knew he suffered the 'lower body' injury coming out of training camp and reveals, specifically, what was ailing him. Then, he provides the full story on the much-talked-about knee injury from Philadelphia - including when the Flyers doctors examined him, why he sat on the bench in the third period, the problem with the knee and much more.



Earlier in the week, coach Terry Murray shared some thoughts on the knee injury here.

To return to the comedy war currently underway between Matt Greene, Penner and a few of the other Kings, click here.

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Coach Terry Murray pushing and pulling Jack Johnson

It's been said many times that Jack Johnson may have played his best hockey in the NHL during the six game stretch when Drew Doughty was out of the line-up last October.

Statistically, there was a dramatic difference. In those games, he collectively totaled seven assists and was a minus-1. His output in the remaining 76 games of the year was 30 assists. Thus, he was nearly three times his season average during that small stretch.

A few weeks ago in training camp, coach Terry Murray said he wanted to see Johnson have a more consistent 'attitude of going after guys, pinning and sealing, and really being nasty one-on-one' this year.

Saturday night in Philadelphia, it may have all come together for Johnson - culminating in what some are calling his best game ever for the Kings.

Today, Murray spoke about how impressed he was with Johnson's play vs. the Flyers...

"I thought he was a real horse of a man in Philadelphia. He played tremendous. He got stronger and played with more authority on the puck. He really tried to take the game over every time he was on the ice. That was outstanding on his part, from my view of it. I just want to keep building on that and pushing that attitude. It's the way it is. When you lose a player, somebody does need to step up and take more on. And he assumed that responsibility. It was great to see."

Just imagine how deadly the Kings would be if Johnson and Doughty were both playing at an elite level most nights.

Scary.

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Murray calls Voynov 'a man,' plans to play him big minutes

The last time the Kings played at Staples Center was Sunday, September 25th.

Slava Voynov - the only Kings defenseman to play in every possible pre-season game last month - was paired with Willie Mitchell that night. He went on to make the trip with the team to Europe. However, he was eventually was sent to Manchester before the season officially opened vs. the Rangers.

Tomorrow night, when the Kings return to their home arena Voynov will be back with Mitchell - due to an injury Drew Doughty suffered on Saturday in Philadelphia.

Voynov flew to LA yesterday and was on the ice for practice with the team earlier today. Afterwards, coach Terry Murray had the following comments about the young Russian blueliner...

"I really liked what Voynov did in the training camp. I thought all of his games were very impressive to me...he's intelligent, he has an aggressive attitude and he has a very good skill level. He's a second, third option player and he does a nice job on the power play. We're looking at him as a veteran player who's getting an opportunity to play, not a player who's coming up just to fill in for an injured player."

On how he'll be used tomorrow night...