10 Tidbits on Jeff Carter - Welcome to the LA Kings

Jeff Carter, LA debut (photo: M. Zampelli)

The trade winds aren't the only weather related activity surrounding the LA Kings these days, as there was a flood of information on Jeff Carter to dig up and get to the bottom of this weekend. Here are 10 Tidbits on LA's new forward, using a hodgepodge of notes and quotes...

- He was drafted in the first round of the OHL and NHL drafts. His dad was also taken in the OHL draft - between Mike Gartner and Dino Ciccarelli in 1976 (both are in the Hall of Fame). At just 5-foot-8, Jim Carter played one season for the Oshawa Generals and gave up hockey. By the way, Jeff's listed at 6-foot-4.

- Carter on why he chose jersey #77: "I wore seven all the way up until I got to Philly. Seven is obviously retired there (Bill Barber). So, I was given 17. I've worn 77 a few times here and there. So, I thought I'd switch it up for a bit...I asked for it. Darren (Granger), the equipment guy, said he had to ask a few people. Then, he came back and said it was alright. I told him I'd wear 17 if it as going to be a problem though."

- Represented Canada twice at the World Junior Championships. In 2004 he had Richards as a teammate (when the U.S. beat Canada for the goal medal) and Colin Fraser was with him in 2005. Carter was named a first team all-star at both tournaments.

10 Tidbits from coach Darryl Sutter's pregame presser

Tonight marks game one of the Sutter-era with the LA Kings.

Following the team's traditional morning skate at their practice facility in El Segundo, the newly appointed coach shared some thoughts. Here are 10 tidbits from his morning debriefing...

- "I think we're ready to go. If you look at our season to date, we've struggled at home, right? So, we need to get out of the gate and get all of our lines and all of our defensemen playing well right off the start."

- "(Mike) Richards is cleared to play. We'll dress a couple extra guys in (the pre-game) warm-ups, just to be sure."

- "Those young guys are dynamic guys and you see that in practice. The veterans are exactly what the coaching staff said they were. They're quality guys, most of them have had success and they want to have it again. I'm just giving them a little more direction and away we go."

- "I think you have to harness (the energy tonight) a little. But, I think at the same time, the way we have our lines (set-up), we have enough of a veteran presence on every line that we can handle it."

- "There's a familiarity there (with the roster), even not knowing them personally, but you know the players. You know what their tendencies are and how they like to play. That's irrelevant. I know the guys and I'm comfortable."

10 Final Tidbits to wrap up the LA Kings pre-season

Just a few notes to close out the pre-season coverage as we march towards Friday's season opener...

- LA finished their eight-game exhibition schedule with a 4-2-2 record.

- For the second time in three years, Anze Kopitar led the team in pre-season scoring, picking up five goals and four assists, nine points total, in six games played (more on that in another article soon)

- Justin Williams, coming off shoulder surgery at the end of the last season, looks to be in fine form. He had the second most points in the pre-season (two goals, four assists, six points)

- Slava Voynov and Kyle Clifford were the only two players to participate in the maximum number of games (seven). Due to the split-squad games with Phoenix on September 21, it would have been impossible for anyone to play in all eight games.

- Kopitar led all players with five goals. Five players tied for second place with two goals each - Williams, Voynov, Brad Richardson, Alec Martinez and Ethan Moreau

Five final thoughts on the Kings vs Avs at Frozen Fury 2011

In front of a sell-out crowd at the MGM Grand on Saturday (announced as 11.478), the Kings lost 4-1 to the Colorado Avalanche. To close the chapter on this year's event, here are five post-game notes...

- The last time the Kings lost a 60-minute game to the Avalanche in Las Vegas was all the way back on September 30, 2000. Peter Forsberg had four points that night (two goals, two assists), including setting up Chris Drury for the game winner with 31 seconds left.

- The only other time the Kings scored a single goal in a Frozen Fury game was 2005. Fresh off the NHL lockout the season before, Dustin Brown scored for LA that night. But, it wasn't enough, as the Kings eventually lost in overtime by a score of 2-1.

- Frozen Fury IX in 2006 saw the Las Vegas debut of Anze Kopitar, and he waited until late in the game to let his full presence be known, setting up Patrick O'Sullivan for the game winning goal with 52 seconds remaining. Since then, he had picked up at least one goal in every game - 2007 (goal and an assist), 2008 (power play goal), 2009 (two goals) and 2010 (goal and an assist). This year, he came away empty handed in the goal department. However, with an assist on Simon Gagne's goal, Kopitar pushed his points streak to six straight games in Las Vegas.

- All three stars of the game were from the Avs - 1. Matt Duchene, 2. Milan Hejduk, 3. Eric Johnson

- Although the event wasn't televised, fan-filmed footage of Gagne's goal can be found here

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Richards, Mitchell, Kopitar talk about playing at Frozen Fury 2011

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Frozen Fury 2010:  post-skate comments from Drew Doughty

Welcome to LA - 10 Tidbits on Dustin Penner

Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi paid a steep price today to acquire the player he needed.

Or did he?

In Dustin Penner he got a 29-year old left wing who's under contract for one more year and brings plenty of size, at 6'4" 250 lbs.

The deal was Penner for Colten Teubert (a former first round pick), the Kings 2011 first round pick and a conditional pick in 2012 based on LA's playoff performance (either a second or third rounder).

[Update: The condition on the 2012 pick is this - if the Kings win the Stanley Cup this year, it becomes a second round pick. Otherwise, it's a third rounder.]

Teubert was originally selected 13th overall in 2008 after the Kings made multiple deals to end up with the pick, including moving Mike Cammalleri to Calgary.

Using our popular 10 Tidbits format, here are some items to help you get to know the newest Kings forward...

* Penner is a former Duck, who now becomes one of the few former Anaheim players to ever end up wearing a Kings jersey. He left there under some rather controversial circumstances though when the Oilers signed him to a five-year, $21-million offer sheet (something most GMs have been unwilling to do). In fact, it created quite a war of words between the Ducks and Oilers.

* He'll be another former college player in the Kings locker room, having played at the University of Maine. They're already near the top of the league in this category - with guys like Jack Johnson, Willie Mitchell, Matt Greene, Rob Scuderi, etc. having all played NCAA hockey.

* In 2004 Penner and Maine went to the NCAA Championship game vs. Denver. In the semis they beat a Boston College team that included current King Peter Harrold and former King Brian Boyle.

10 Tidbits on Alec Martinez

Alec Martinez won't subtly return to the NHL tonight. He'll be joining a Kings team that's lost four of their last five games.

He'll also be facing some small little club you may have heard of, the Montreal Canadiens. Outside of Toronto, it may just be the most hockey crazed market in North America.

Fortunately for him, with just four games of NHL experience, he'll probably go under the radar for most of the local media. Besides, their big story heading into the game is named Jonathan Bernier.

Using our popular 10 Tidbits format, here is some information to help you get to know the newest addition to the Kings blueline this season...

* First off, you'll be glad to know his nickname isn't 'Ally.' According to Corey Elkins, his teammate in Manchester (AHL), they call him 'Marty.' After it was announced Martinez would join the team this week I asked Elkins about his recent play with the Monarchs and he said "Marty has been awesome on the power play for us. He takes smart shots that get through traffic and moves the puck real well. Its fun to watch." Coach Terry Murray is probably hoping he'll be fun to watch for the Kings!

* He's spent the last two years with Manchester, sans his brief time in LA last season. His rookie year in the AHL (2008-09) he posted eight goals and added 15 assists in 72 games. Then, last season, he led all defenseman with 30 points (7g, 23a...while playing in only 55 games!). Prior to his call up yesterday he was a plus-four in 20 games and his 16 points (5g, 11a) were leading ALL players on the team.

10 Tidbits on Scott Parse (updated)

Whenever Kings GM Dean Lombardi is speaking to a group of people, there are usually a few memorable quotes.

HockeyFest in September was no exception. He got the attention of quite a few people by claiming "Scott Parse is near the top three on the team in terms of skill."

When coach Terry Murray later announced that Parse would start the season on the second line along side Jarret Stoll and Justin Williams, people could see what the two were working - even if they didn't necessarily agree.

And now, things are about to kick into high gear here for Parse. After sitting out the first month of the season with an injury, he'll return to the line-up tonight against the visiting Tampa Bay Lightning...however, he'll be on the top line with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown.

Looking back to October 24th of last year when Parse made his NHL debut, here are 10 Tidbits on the highly-skilled-still-has-a-lot-to-prove left winger...

10 Tidbits on Mattias Norstrom

He never won the Stanley Cup. He only scored 14 goals with the team. He made a single appearance in the NHL All-Star Game. And there are very few, if any, truly defining moments from his 11 years in Los Angeles.

Yet, Mattias Norstrom will forever be remembered as the Captain of the Kings.

He's back in town to be honored in a special ceremony prior to tonight's Kings-Devils game at Staples Center. Along with his family, several former teammates will be on hand to share a few stories and pay tribute to one of the toughest players in franchise history.

Below are 10 Tidbits on the man nearly everybody refers to as a warrior...

10 Tidbits on the Home Opener

Last night the Kings opened their home schedule with a 3-1 win over the Atlanta Thrashers.

It was the first time the two teams had met since Friday the 13th, last November. The Kings were as unlucky as you can get that night...or they were just really, really bad...losing to the Thrashers 7-0, their worst loss of the season.

This game was bound to be different, as the three stars from that blowout game would not be a factor in the rematch. Thrashers goalie Ondrej Pavelec (the first star) is currently out of action after a fainting spell. Additionally, Ilya Kovalchuk (second star) is now with the Devils and Maxim Afinogenov (third star) is playing in the KHL.

Below are 10 Tidbits surrounding this year's contest:

* So far, the motto for this year's Kings team could be 'Third Period's a Charm' - in the three games played, all of their goals scored have come in the third period. Conversely, they haven't given up a goal in the first period yet.

Camping Guide 2010 - thoughts from Stoll

Coverage from training camp continues today with two short articles, one each with Matt Greene and Jarrett Stoll.

After the players suiting up to face the Ducks tonight went through their morning skate, a second group took to the ice at TSC. Greene, Stoll, Rob Scuderi, Peter Harrold, Trevor Lewis, John Zeiler and a few others went through about an hour of drills and conditioning.

Afterwards, I caught up with (a healthy) Stoll...

MM:  You've played in two games so far and had two points (tying him for the lead in the Eddie Joyal Award standings). Do you focus on your stats at all during preseason or is it purely about getting your your legs under you at this point?

Welcome to LA - 10 Tidbits on Willie Mitchell

It's been an interesting summer for the LA Kings in terms of roster moves.

While the July headlines were dominated with news on various left wingers, August will certainly be remembered as the month of D.

Just weeks after word surfaced that Matt Greene could possibly be out until November recovering from a shoulder injury, the Kings once-deep prospect pool suddenly thinned as reports indicated Colten Teubert and Vyacheslav Voinov were hurt as well and would not be ready to start the season.

Enter Willie Mitchell.  Earlier today the Kings signed the unrestricted free agent to a two-year contract...beating out the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals among others.

Here are 10 Tidbits on the rugged defenseman...

* Mitchell was voted the Vancouver Canucks best defenseman in the spring of 2008 and 2009. He wasn't able to achieve the hat-trick this year after being forced to miss the second half of the season due to a hit from the Penguins Evgeni Malkin in mid-January.

*  He openly criticized the NHL for their response to the hit that left him with post-concussion syndrome, saying “I'm not happy with the hit I took. We're taught from a young age that you don't hit from behind. I had my numbers facing a player in a dangerous zone, a dangerous spot, and he hit me. More than that, I'm disappointed in the league, disappointed in Colin Campbell."  He went on to say that he thinks Campbell often "hands down suspensions and fines (based on injuries), and I think that's the wrong thing to do. You rob a bank and there's $50 million in there or rob a bank and there's $5 in there, you're going to jail for the same amount of time. (Campbell) saw me get up off the ice and didn't make any ruling on it.”

10 Tidbits on Alex Ponikarovsky

While it was the Karate Kid receiving the remake treatment this summer, it will probably be another Ralph Macchio flick, The Outsiders, that will have more staying power as the calendar flips to the winter months.

Earlier today the the Los Angeles Kings announced the signing of unrestricted free agent Alexei Ponikarovsky. And although he was formerly known as "The Poni Express", out in Hollywood...er, Hockeywood...he'll simply be Poni Boy.

Here are 10 Tidbits to get you primed and ready to go on the Kings newest left wing...with a special twitter twist:

* First question out of the gate, does Ponikarovsky have the longest last name of any player in Kings history?  No.  Well, he's tied.  There's the popular Mike Krushelnyski from the end of the 80s.  Then, according to several alert tweeters - including @KingsKoolAid, @kevinsyoung and @LHHockey - you also have Sheldon Kannegiesser ('73-77) and Steve Clippingdale (16 games in '76-77) checking in with 12 letters.  @SoundFlyer14 thinks Frank St. Marseille tops them all with 13 "units" (including the period and space).  But, I don't count that way.  That's just me.

* The comparisons to Alexander Frolov are almost too easy - both could be classified as "classic underachievers".  They've even played for the same teams back in Russia, just not concurrently.  Frolov spent time with Krylja Sovetov in '01-02 (just before joining the Kings), while Poni played there three seasons prior.  During the NHL lockout in '04, Frolov spent some time at home playing for Moscow Dynamo.  Poni was there from '98-00 (ironically, just before he came over to play for the Maple Leafs).

* Similar to Ilya Kovalchuck's apparent obsession with the number 17, Poni has one he favors too.  Supposedly, he's been wearing 23 to honor his grandparents and wife, who were all born that day.  He'll need a new number in LA though.  Dustin Brown isn't trading that for a trip to Hawaii or a year's membership at a nice country club.

Tuesday Tidbits... the interviews

Looking back...here are 10 of the most popular interviews from this past season, where The Mayor touches base with a variety of people around the world of hockey for their perspective...

Luc Robitaille - The King of Kings stopped by MayorsManor a few days before his Hall of Fame induction...topics include Barry Melrose, Wayne Gretzky, Bruce McNall, the Stanley Cup, having a trophy named after him, why he signed with the Red Wings, Gary Bettman, hockey memorabilia, etc. To read 20 Questions with #20 click here.

Mike Modano - As the all-time leading goal scorer among American born players, he is a true hockey legend. The Mayor and the former Dallas Stars captain spoke about winning the Stanley Cup, the team's move from Minnesota, not playing in the All Star game, almost signing with the Boston Bruins, being dissed by the Predators, getting knocked out by Mark Messier and lots more - click here to read the full interview.

Andy Murray - He went from being a virtual unknown to the most successful coach in Kings history. After three trips to the playoffs and with the team above .500, despite being riddled with injuries, he was let go with just a handful of games remaining in the 2005-06 season. In his MayorsManor interview we talk getting hired and fired by the Kings and all things in between, plus his sons, his favorite players, the Kings player he'd most like to have on his NHL team and tons more. Click here to read.

Rob Blake - Love him or hate him, he's a big part of Kings history.  The Mayor gets Rob's thoughts on being drafted by the Kings, going to the Finals in '93, the trade, resigning the Kings captaincy, coming back to LA and so much more. Click here to read it now.

Kelly Hrudey - The man forever linked with the Kings trip to the '93 Stanley Cup finals chatted with The Mayor about the playoffs, his relationship with Dean Lombardi, teams that gave the Kings fits back then, being drafted by the Islanders, his first training camp in New York, underrated players and Robb Stauber stealing his job - click here to read the full interview.

Ethan Moreau - A first round draft pick in 1994, he discussed his time with the Blackhawks, the trade that brought him to Edmonton, the pressure of being the Oilers captain, going to the Stanley Cup finals in 2006, Chris Pronger, the firing of Craig MacTavish and yes, we even talk about his semi-nude photo shoot for ESPN - click here to read the full interview.

John Buccigross - ESPN's guru of hockey talks with The Mayor and gives his take on all the teams in the Western Conference, the greatest hockey game he ever saw, his favorite arena, changes he'd make to the game if he was the NHL Commissioner and other quirky puck related tidbits - click here to read the full interview.

Colten Teubert - A first round draft pick from the 2008 draft, Mr. Nasty just finished up a stellar junior career.  He also helped lead Team Canada at the World Junior Championships and played for the Kings ECHL minor league affiliate in Ontario.  In his interview with The Mayor he talks about being drafted, being a prospect and his dreams of playing in Los Angeles.  Click here to read Tuesdays with Teubert.

Gary Shuchuk - Prior to playing for the Kings in the early 90's this hard working grinder led Wisconsin in scoring and won the NCAA hockey championship.  Two years later he won the AHL's Calder Cup.  He stopped by Mayors Manor prior to the 2010 Frozen Four to talk about his time in college hockey - which included playing with Tony Granato, Curtis Joseph and Mike Richter to name a few. Read it here.

Others of note:
Bob Miller - legendary Kings announcer stops by for a preview of the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs

2010 NHL Draft - several prospects stopped by MayorsManor in the week leading up to the draft in Los Angeles, including Cam Fowler (1st round pick of the Anaheim Ducks)

Agents to the stars - Kyle Dubas of Uptown Sports (reps several top prospects in the Kings organization) and Scott Norton (reps Dustin Brown)

Want more?

Coming up in the next few weeks - several players with ties to the U.S. hockey program...Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks and Team USA Olympian), Stephen Johns (World Jr team and recent draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks) and Nick Bjugstad (World Jr team and 1st round pick of the Florida Panthers).

Now if we could just get that guy from Slap Shot...

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
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10 Tidbits - The Story of Zeus

According to Greek mythology, the God Zeus is often depicted by images of him striving forward with a thunderbolt in his hand.

Times have changed through the years, yet Michal Handzus is often seen skating forward, stick in hand...increasingly, the stick has been raised in the air as the Kings just scored another goal.

Things have never been better for Handzus here in Los Angeles. He's about to put a bow on his 3rd regular season with the Kings - one that will most likely see him in his first playoff series with the team. Today, on his 33rd birthday, he's the latest subject in our 10 Tidbits series.

Enjoy the Story of Zeus...

* While the God Zeus is known for his many children, Handzus may be known for his collection of jerseys - having played for a handful of NHL teams...five in all - St. Louis, Phoenix, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles.

* Perhaps Zeus was destined to sign with the Kings...not only because of Greek mythology, but because of former Kings owner Bruce McNall. While it's unclear if McNall sold or collected Zeus coins as part of his massive collection, there is a link nonetheless. According to various New York Times articles from back in the day, McNall sold several ancient vases to the Hunt brothers, one depicting the death of the Lycian prince Sarpedon, a son of Zeus.

* Almost immediately after signing a four year, $16 million contract in the summer of 2007 the criticism began. Fans and media alike thought that was a lot of scratch to lay out for a guy coming off of major knee surgery...and having played only 8 games the season prior. Did it work? Well, after Michal's first season in LA, Kings GM Dean Lombardi had this to say in an interview with the Daily News "We expected him to be better. He started skating better in the second half. He's not the fleetest afoot anyway. He got himself in a rut and started pressing. He'd be the first to tell you he wasn't where he expects to be. Until the last couple months his skating wasn't where he expected to be. Next year, I expect him to be more like we expected him to be when we got him." Yep - 7 goals, 21 points and a minus-21 rating is probably not what everybody had in mind.

* If year one was a failure, year two was more what Lombardi had in mind. For the second straight season with the Kings Handzus skated in all 82 games - this time netting 18 goals and 42 points (fourth best on the team, behind the big three of Kopitar, Brown and Frolov). Equally impressive was that he increased his shots on goal by 61%.

* Has worn #26 in each of his NHL stops, with one exception...during his brief stay in Phoenix he wore #16. Mike Sullivan was already wearing his number when he was traded to the Coyotes late in the 2000-01 season. Ironically, it wasn't like Sullivan was married to the number...he'd played on four teams in his career, each time wearing a different number. Maybe Zeus didn't want to 'compensate' him for changing.

* Thrives in international competition. When he's represented his home country of Slovakia the numbers are impressive - 9 points over 12 games at the World Jrs, 17 points in 25 games at the World Championships (note: he's represented Slovakia 4x at the WC) and 7 points in 9 Olympic games. He's earned two medals for his efforts, a silver at the 2000 WC and gold at the 2002 WC. Many of those teams included former Kings like Ziggy Palffy and Jozef Stumpel.

* On December 5, 2002, he became only the second player in NHL history to score a penalty shot goal in overtime when he beat the Rangers Dan Blackburn with just 37 seconds left in the extra frame. Coincidentally, the only other player to do it also beat the Rangers (when Nashville's David Legwand put one past Kirk McLean on December 23, 2000).

* Awards: Was runner-up for the NHL's Selke Trophy in the 1999–00 season, given out to the top defensive forward. Selected by the media as the Kings Best Defensive Player for the 2008-09 season, an award he may win again this year. Last season he also received an award from his teammates. The Unsung Hero award goes to the player they deem "contributed the most to the team yet did not get the proper recognition for their contributions."

* Was drafted by the St. Louis Blues and recorded his first two milestones with the team. 10/22/98 - first NHL point (an assist) at Ottawa. 11/28/08 (the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend) - first NHL goal in a home game vs. the Washington Capitals. The Blues won both games.

* In Monday's 6-0 win over the Blue Jackets Handzus recorded his 400th NHL point and his 100th point as a member of the Kings.

Zeus, per Greek mythology, is the King of the Gods. Handzus is primed for a triumphant return to the playoffs next month. And the Kings are hoping he can wreak havoc and put that thunderbolt to good use.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

RELATED ARTICLES:

10 Tidbits on Wayne Simmonds

10 Tidbits on Drew Doughty

10 Tidbits on Dustin Brown

10 Tidbits on Willie Mitchell

10 Tidbits on Alexei Ponikarovsky
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100 NHL Goals for Dustin Brown

Somewhat lost in the middle of the Kings destruction of the Ducks last night was a milestone for Dustin Brown. At 12:43 of the second period he tipped in a shot from Frolov and Doughty, his 100th NHL goal.

That's quite an accomplishment for a guy that claims to have been a better lacrosse player than hockey player growing up.

However, he ended up playing Junior hockey in Canada after leaving his native New York. And he's found plenty of success ever since.

To celebrate his century mark in goals, let's take a look at 10 Tidbits on Brownie:

• Was selected in the first round, #13 overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. For a team that has been criticized for decades about trading away their picks, it was an odd year for the Kings. They had three first round picks. Brown was the only one pan out.
• The Guelph days - He wore #32 for his Junior team, the Storm. They also claim Dan Cloutier and Drew Doughty as former players. Brown left with 194 points (and 195 penalty minutes) in 174 games. He also left with quite a few awards - Scholastic Player of the Year all three years he was in Guelph, was voted the most popular player on the Storm in 2001-02 and was the Top Scorer in 2002-03.
• Becoming a fixture on Team USA - played twice at the World Junior Championships ('02 and '03), totalling 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games. Alexander Frolov's Russian team beat Canada for the gold in 2002, with Brown's US squad finishing fifth. Then in 2003, the US lost the Bronze Medal game to Finland. He's also played for Team USA four times at the World Championships that take place late in the Spring each year. Last April he was named captain of the team and they finished fourth in the standings. Next up, he'll play for Team USA again at the 2010 Olympics, where he'll return to wearing #32 and he'll be an assistant captain.
• Regarding the NHL lockout in 2004 he said "It was a blessing in disguise for me. I loved my time in Manchester. I learned a ton about how to be a pro."
• His wife also had a stellar hockey career before settling down with Dustin and becoming a full-time mom. (click here for an interview with her)
• In baseball you would call him a five-tool player. Brownie has it all - the ability to score, play defense, dish out big hits...and he's even been known to drop the gloves when needed.
• 2007-08 led the Kings in goals with 33.
• 2008-09 was a monumental year for Brown. He was the first American born player ever chosen to captain the Kings, he played in his first NHL All Star Game and in December '08 he scored his first hat trick against St Louis. After the game against the Blues, the always humble Brown said "I felt like I'd been in a slump. I was getting chances, but the pucks weren't going in. So, I was just trying to keep it simple and putting pucks on the net. That's what we need as a team, throwing pucks at the net."
• Was the youngest player in franchise history to be named captain.
• He is currently under contract with the LA Kings through June, 2014. While it has never been officially confirmed, it is believed he has the LA Kings logo "tattooed on his ass" like GM Dean Lombardi has said he needs his players to have.

Congratulations on goal #100. Fans throughout Staples Center appreciate what you do on a nightly basis to help the Kings win and are proud to call you THE CAPTAIN.

One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119


note - part of the above article was originally published in Nov 2009 on Brownie's birthday...it was updated for today's post


RELATED ARTICLES:

10 Free Agent Tidbits - notes on Frolov and Ponikarovsky, plus thoughts on Kariya

10 Tidbits on Alexander Frolov

10 Tidbits on Wayne Simmonds

10 Tidbits on Drew Doughty


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10 Tidbits on Wayne Simmonds

As a team the Kings are break even in their last 10 games and were only one game above .500 for the month of November. Not exactly setting the world on fire. Individually, the guy that carried the team for the first six weeks of the season - Anze Kopitar - has pulled a Frolov like disappearing act, having not found the back of the net in 9 games now. Back in early September I wrote about the budding bro-mance between Kopi and Ryan Smyth (click HERE for the 'love' article) and it sure seems like he's somewhat lost without him right now.

Then, there's Wayne 'the Train' Simmonds...he's scored a goal in three straight games now, the second time he's pulled that stunt already this season.

His ability to score timely goals is starting to shine through. Here are 10 things you might now now about 'theTrain':

* 109 and Counting - Was one of five Kings players to play in all 82 games last season. He's added to that total by playing in all 27 so far this season.

* He was born August 26th, the same day as former King Steve Carlson. Yes, that guy - 'Killer' Carlson from the movie Slap Shot. Steve played just one season for the Kings, back in '79-80. He played a few more years in the CHL and AHL before eventually coaching the Johnstown Chiefs of the ECHL. Life imitating art. By the way, if you've never seen the movie, your homework assignment for tomorrow night is to rent it. A true classic.

* Grew up in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Actors Mike Myers, John Candy and Jim Carrey also spent time in Scarborough during their youth. Candy also had (loose) ties to the Kings back in the '90s. He was friends with then owner Bruce McNall and Wayne Gretzky. The three also bought a Canadian football team together in 1991.

* While Kopitar won this year's Eddie Joyal Award (read article by clicking HERE), Simmonds did tie him for the preseason goal lead with 5...and he did it in just six games.

* In 2006-07 and part of '07-08 he played Junior hockey as part of the Owen Sound Attack - the same team that Brad Richardson played for from 2001-2005. It was the '04-05 season where Richardson scored...sit down for this one...41 goals in 68 regular season games. Anaheim's Bobby Ryan was part of that team and was still around when Simmonds joined the team (Richardson left the year before). To put Richardson's accomplishment in perspective, Ryan scored 37 goals in 62 games on that same team. Wow. Those two may never be mentioned in the same sentence again when talking about goals. King prospect Trevor Lewis also played there one year with Simmonds, 2006-07.

* With Owen Sound out of the playoff picture, Simmonds was traded to the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds for the final 31 games (and playoffs) during the '07-08 season. The legendary Greyhounds have a long long list of NHL alumni - including former Kings Charlie Simmer, Wayne Gretzky, Paul Coffey, Rick Tocchet - oh yeah, and Dan Cloutier.

* International Play - was on the 2008 World Juniors team for Canada, a gold medal winning team that included fellow Kings Drew Doughty; Kings prospects Jon Bernier and Thomas Hickey...and two kids named Steven Stamkos and John Tavares. Quite a line-up.

* From the age of 16 until joining the NHL last year, he had consistently been a point a game player each year. Last season, his first in the NHL, he averaged about a point every four games. He's picked it up this year, with 15 points in 23 games (.56 points per game).

* 2007 NHL Draft - Dean Lombardi turned a lot of heads that year, taking Thomas Hickey of the Seattle Thunderbirds with the 4th overall pick (Patrick Kane went #1 to the Blackhawks and Philly selected American born James van Riemsdyk #2). The Kings threw a huge, ultra expensive, open bar party at the new Hollywood and Highland that year to celebrate the draft day activities. They took Oscar Moller with their first of two picks in the second round (#52 overall) and then selected Simmonds #61 overall (the last pick of the second round). Interestingly, that pick had ties to Anaheim. The Kings acquired it on Feb 25, 2007 as part of the compensation from Vancouver when LA shipped Brett Sopel to the Canucks. Vancouver had originally received the pick when Anaheim hired coach Randy Carlyle in August 2005.

* Foreshadowing - In just his 3rd NHL game Simmonds scored his first career goal. Who were the Kings playing that night? Jean-Sébastien Giguère and the Anaheim Ducks.

Perhaps Wayne the Train and the rest of the Kings can ride the rails out of Anaheim with two points tonight. The puck drops in about an hour.

One19

www.twitter.com/Mayor119


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10 Free Agent Tidbits - notes on Frolov and Ponikarovsky, plus thoughts on Kariya

10 Tidbits on Alexander Frolov

10 Tidbits on Dustin Brown

10 Tidbits on Drew Doughty


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10 Tidbits on Drew Doughty

Teenagers aren't supposed to play in the NHL, especially on defense. Most scouts will tell you because of the complexities of the position, the majority of young d-men won't mature until about 24-25. Tonight in Carolina, on game two of the Kings current five game road trip, young Drew Doughty will play in his 100th NHL game. Even more remarkable than the quantity of games played BEFORE his 20th birthday is the quantity of minutes played - he led the Kings and all NHL rookies with nearly a 24 minute average last season and continues to lead the team most nights this season.

(Doughty's first hockey card, age 4)
In celebration of what is sure to be many milestones to come for Drew, let's take a closer look at the guy teammates call Dewy:

Born in London, Ontario, Canada. It's quite the hotbed of hockey. Other NHLers from London - Jeff Carter (Philly), Joe Thornton (San Jose) and Eric Lindros (multi-teams).

Numbers Game - wore #3 when playing for Team Canada at the World Championships last Spring. Growing up he wore #99 in honor of his childhood idle - Wayne Gretzky. Then, briefly wore #19 for Joe Sakic. With his Junior team (Guelph) and here in LA he wears #8 (taken from his birthday (Dec 8).

Was taken second overall by the Kings in the 2008 draft. It could end up being a very memorable 1st round for defenseman. Other key guys taken that day - Colten Teubert (Kings #13), Zach Bogosian (Atl #3), Luke Schenn (Tor #5) and probable Calder candidate this season, Michael Del Zotto (NYR #20)

Prior to the draft E.J. McGuire, the NHL's director of Central Scouting, said that Doughty is "a defenseman around which a team is going to build the next 10 years." Yep.

Won gold with Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships, where he was named Top Defenseman of the tournament. He was just the fifth Canadian d-man to win the award (Marc Staal 2006, Dion Phaneuf 2005, Bryan McCabe 1995, Gord Kluzak 1982) and the first to win it before being drafted into the NHL. Also played for his native country at the 2009 World Championships (earned silver medal), the 2007 World Junior Under-18 Championships and the 2006 World Junior Under-17 Championships. Also has an outside chance of making the very deep roster that will represent Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver. Participated in the initial training camp in August and will anxiously await the final roster announcement on December 31st.

Other awards - was voted Best Offensive Defenseman in the 2007 and 2008 OHL Coaches Poll (Guelph, Juniors) and was also named to the OHL All-Rookie Team in 2005-06. Selected to participate in the YoungStars game at the '09 NHL All-Star Weekend in Montreal. After his rookie campaign in the NHL was named to the '08-09 All-Rookie Team.

Offensively minded - tied for first among NHL rookie defensemen last season with 27 points and 21 assists. This was after he put up 50 points (13-37=50) in 58 regular season games during his final campaign with the Guelph Storm.

Was called out by former Kings forward and current broadcaster, Jim Fox, after the first game of the current season. In an article HERE Foxy called it Drew's "worst game as a King."

Making history - made his NHL debut on Oct 11, 2008 vs. San Jose. Recorded first NHL point with a goal Oct. 20, 2008 vs. Colorado.

Under contract - He is currently in the second year of his initial three year deal, earning $875k per year. He'll be a restricted free agent at the end of next season. If you're placing a bet, put it all down that he isn't going anywhere!

100 and counting. Keep 'em coming Drew. You're the foundation of what is arguably the most promising group of young d-men currently assembled by any NHL team. The Kings are in good shape for many years to come with you minding the blue line.

In closing, it should also be noted that Michal Handzus will be playing in his 700th NHL game tonight too. The signing of Handzus was universally panned when first announced a few summers ago after he was given a four year deal - at a time when he was coming off reconstructive knee surgery. Although his first season as a King was nothing to write home about, near the end of that year you could start to see he was slowly regaining his pre-surgery form. That was confirmed last year when he had a remarkable bounce back season. The chemistry formed with Alexander Frolov has continued this year and many now see what Dean Lombardi was banking on when he first signed him...a solid two way center. Congrats Zeus on game #700.

The only number that could be more meaningful tonight is one. As in "wins: one in a row." If you prefer the number two, that could work also. As in "the end of the two game losing streak" or "two points." Either will do.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor


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10 Tidbits on Dustin Brown - the Kings captain scores NHL goal #100

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10 Tidbits on Alex Ponikarovsky - we welcome Poni Boy to LA, Hollywood style

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10 Tidbits on the bday boy - Dustin Brown

Dustin Brown is the youngest player to ever where the "C" for the LA Kings.

A New York native, he played junior hockey rather than going to college.

He claims to have been a better lacrosse player than hockey player growing up. But hey, things seem to have worked out OK for him. It's just hard to believe he's only 25 years old, as it seems like he's been suiting up for the Kings for a decade now.

In honor of his birthday today, we give you 10 Tidbits on Brownie:

• Was selected in the first round, #13 overall, of the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. For a team that has been criticized for decades about trading away their picks, it was an odd year for the Kings. They had three first round picks. Brown was the only one who panned out.
• The Guelph days - He wore #32 for his Junior team, the Storm. They also claim Dan Cloutier and Drew Doughty as former players. Brown left with 194 points (and 195 penalty minutes) in 174 games. He also left with quite a few awards - Scholastic Player of the Year all three years he was in Guelph, was voted the most popular player on the Storm in 2001-02 and was the Top Scorer in 2002-03.
• Becoming a fixture on Team USA - played twice at the World Junior Championships ('02 and '03), totalling 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in 14 games. Alexander Frolov's Russian team beat Canada for the gold in 2002, with Brown's US squad finishing fifth. Then in 2003, the US lost the Bronze Medal game to Finland. He's also played for Team USA four times at the World Championships that take place late in the Spring each year. Last April he was named captain of the team and they finished fourth in the standings.
• Regarding the NHL lockout in 2004 he said "It was a blessing in disguise for me. I loved my time in Manchester. I learned a ton about how to be a pro."
• His wife also had a stellar hockey career before settling down with Dustin and becoming a full-time mom.
• In baseball you would call him a five-tool player. Brownie has it all - the ability to score, play defense, dish out big hits...and he's even been known to drop the gloves when needed (see clip below)
• 2007-08 led the Kings in goals with 33.
• 2008-09 was a monumental year for Brown. He was the first American born player ever chosen to captain the Kings, he played in his first NHL All Star Game and in December '08 he scored his first hat trick against St Louis. After the game against the Blues, the always humble Brown said "I felt like I'd been in a slump. I was getting chances, but the pucks weren't going in. So, I was just trying to keep it simple and putting pucks on the net. That's what we need as a team, throwing pucks at the net."
• On January 1, 2010 - live on NBC, during the NHL Winter Classic game - it'll officially be announced that Brown is headed to the Winter Olympics in Vancouver as part of Team USA.
• He is currently under contract with the LA Kings through June, 2014. While it has never been officially confirmed, it is believed he has the LA Kings logo "tattooed on his ass" like GM Dean Lombardi has said he needs his players to have.

Happy Birthday #23. Fans throughout Staples Center appreciate what you do on a nightly basis to help the Kings win and are proud to call you THE CAPTAIN.

The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

Added Bonus - some footage of a little Captain on Captain crime:

10 Tidbits on Scott Parse

With the injury to Justin Williams needing a little more time to heal, the Kings dipped into the treasure chest out east in Manchester. Scott Parse was called up for the game against the Coyotes in Glendale, AZ (Phoenix suburb). While you've probably heard of several guys he's been playing with on the Monarchs - Bernier, Hickey and Westgarth to name a few - Parse hasn't slipped onto the radar of all but the most die hard Kings followers. Here are some quick points to bring everybody up to speed...

• Back in 2004 he was selected by the Kings in the sixth round. It wasn't a fruitful draft for LA, with guys like Lauri Tukonen, Paul Baier and Ned Lukacevic being taken ahead of him. The lone highlight of the 2004 class to date was the brief stint of goalie Fukufuji a few years ago. Not exactly a key moment in franchise history. Parse will be making his NHL debut tonight, the last great hope for the gang of '04.

• Was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan - a city that actually doesn't even have a zoo. It is however the birthplace of the Gibson Guitar Corporation (est. 1902).

• Had a stellar college hockey career at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, a school you don't want to confuse with the more famous University of Nebraska-Lincoln (home of the Cornhuskers). Highlights include: In four years he racked up a school record 197 points (79g, 118a) in just 159 games...lead the team in scoring all four seasons...set the school record for rookie scoring with 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists) while playing in all 39 games...one of 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker award his Junior year...led his team to the Frozen Four tournament for the first time in team history.

• When he couldn't reach a contract agreement with the Kings in the Spring of 2007 he signed with Grand Rapids of the AHL. Played the final 10 games of the season and a handful of playoff games for them. Tallied an assist in his debut, technically his first point as a professional.

• Two Seasons Ago - Split time between Manchester (AHL) and Reading (ECHL). Appeared in only 32 games total, recovering from a back injury most of the year. In his 14 games with the Monarchs, had a plus or even rating in 13 of the 14.

• Last Season - Recorded 39 points with the Monarchs (15g, 24a) in 74 games. His plus-6 rating was good enough for second on the team. In January 2009 he was voted the player of the month by the Manchester Monarchs Booster Club. For his efforts, the MMBC awarded him a $25 gift certificate to the Wild Rover Pub. Not sure if Scott spent it on food or drink. However, that fine establishment's website boasts that the pictures of their new bar "can't do it justice...come see it in person!" The place must be good, the Boston Globe named it one of New England's best Irish Pubs. Don't look now, but they're also on twitter!

• This Season - Had been playing on a line with top prospects Loktionov and Moller. At the time of the call-up was leading the AHL in assists and +/- and was second overall in points.

• Both in college and with the Monarchs wore sweater #23. Obviously, that number isn't available with the Kings. So, he'll be wearing #63 for now.

• Will start out playing with Stoll and Purcell on the third line. For all of you name fanatics, you can call it the PPs line.

• Scouting Report - the general book on Parse has him pegged as a depth forward in the NHL...most commonly read phrases are play maker, will drive to the net, plays with passion, great hand-eye coordination, two-way player.

Now you're ready for the game tonight.

The Mayor
www.twitter.con/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

RELATED ARTICLES

10 Tidbits on Willie Mitchell - notes on Kings newly signed defenseman

10 Tidbits on Dustin Brown - the Captain gets his 100th NHL goal

10 Tidbits on Drew Doughty - includes picture of his first hockey card, at age 4

10 Tidbits on Wayne Simmonds - all aboard the train

10 Tidbits on Alex Ponikarovsky - Poni Boy's Hollywood introduction

Tuesday Tidbits - highlighting the most popular interviews on MayorsManor

image courtesy of unomaha.edu

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