Showing posts with label Smyth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Smyth. Show all posts

Thursday, January 12, 2012

LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi publicly apologizes to Oilers

Did you think we had heard the last of Mulletgate?

If so, you were wrong. With the Kings scheduled to travel to Edmonton this weekend - for the first time this season - GM Dean Lombardi was a guest today on Mark Spector's radio show (Team 1260, Edmonton).

As usual, Lombardi had plenty to say. For example, here were his comments when asked if he and Oilers' GM Steve Tambellini had mended fences...

"I think we were able to work that out. That's something that I have to apologize for. I was certainly frustrated, having to lose a player like Ryan Smyth - then getting in a bind with trying to replace him and there was a little gray area, as far as what we got back (in the trade with Edmonton). But, the bottom line is I should have never said what I said publicly. It was the wrong thing to do. I apologize to Edmonton, as well as the National Hockey League, that that wasn't the way to handle it. As we sat down, we were able to come to some resolution. But, the bottom line, I was wrong in the way that I handled that and we move on. It was a tough situation losing a good player like Ryan Smyth. It's kind of been one of the things we run up against, (when we) talk about the building process - whether it was Ryan or Drew holding out or going to Europe. These were all the things you confront. But, regardless, that was the wrong way to handle it."

Lombardi had much more to say during the interview - including detailed talk about the rebuilding of the Kings since he took over, his philosophy on the upcoming trade deadline, Dustin Penner's recent injury and a few other things. Look for those comments to be posted in about an hour.

If you missed Lombardi's comments on Smyth at the time of #94's trade request last summer, check out this link. Other Lombardi articles are linked below for your reference.


The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Lombardi on Darryl Sutter, Bobby Valentine and the Boston Red Sox

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Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Holloway and Moller's European Vacation

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Thursday, November 10, 2011

Colin Fraser is pointless against the Vancouver Canucks

Ryan Smyth to Edmonton. It's the trade that just won't go away.

Last week, it was Smyth's return to LA as a member of the Oilers that dominated the headlines. Now, it's the other side of that trade that will be a focal point of tonight's game.

Colin Fraser, the player who was eventually acquired by the Kings - after Edmonton GM Steve Tambellini first tried sending Gilbert Brule, something that was rejected by the NHL - will make his debut in tonight's game vs. Vancouver.

Like Brule, Fraser was injured at the time of the trade and that's an ongoing issue between Kings GM Dean Lombardi and his counterpart with the Oilers. The entire he said-he said issue is a story for another day.  Let's focus on Fraser, who will center the Kings fourth line tonight.

Soon after he was acquired this summer, his former Oilers teammate Dustin Penner came on MayorsManor and had several things to say about the 26-forward - including 'He competes in every area of the ice. He's a third or fourth line center, who's good on draws. He'll do anything to help his team win.'

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Ryan Smyth - 'I had a short time here and it was alright'

On January 22, 1995, Ryan Smyth made his NHL debut - playing for the Edmonton Oilers in Los Angeles versus the Kings.

And 1,080 games later, he was back in Southern California - in a different building though - yet, back in an Oilers jersey and ready to take on the Kings once again.

Same result - Edmonton defeated LA.

He also picked up a goal this time around, his sixth goal on the season and has now scored in three straight contests.

Afterwards, he had this to say...

On the overall game - "Obviously it’s nice to get the win, that’s first and foremost. We played a great game. Habby (Khabibulin) obviously played great. We did the little things right that make the difference."

On why he left - "I had a short time here and it was alright. I just felt it was best for my family to move on and it’s always nice to win. After the first two games when we lost after having the lead, we regrouped and have played well. It built some character and we’re playing for each other as a team now."

Rookie sensation Ryan Nugent-Hopkins added the following...

Ex-Oilers, now Kings, talk about the 'slippery' Ryan Smyth

Jarret Stoll and Anze Kopitar rockin' mullets, in honor of Ryan Smyth (photo: LA Kings)
Do the Kings and Oilers ever just play a 'regular' game?

For several decades now, it seems like there is always something on the line. From the Kings beating the Oilers in the Miracle on Manchester to Wayne Gretzky's milestone points vs. Edmonton. From payback for Craig Muni breaking Tomas Sandstrom's leg in the playoffs to former captain Kelly Buchberger's return to Edmonton. From Lubomir Visnovsky's return to LA to a the Dustin Penner-Colten Teubert trade last year. It's always something.

Tonight is no different. Over the summer, Ryan Smyth asked GM Dean Lombardi for a trade and basically tied his hands by requesting only a move to Edmonton.

I spoke with a few of the Kings about facing the quickly improving Oilers, and specifically, they're former teammate...

"There's a lot of history, for sure," said Jarret Stoll.  "We have a lot of guys who have been on that side and vise versa. Smytty had his decisions and his reasons. It is what it is. We just move on, we play hockey and we try to win games. If he's happy there, that's great. We feel we're a good team in here and we're focusing on that."

When asked for their favorite memory of Smyth's time in LA, nearly every player said the same thing - "When we wore the mullets in warm-up. That was a fun day around here," remarked Stoll.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Mike Richards trade for Simmonds and Schenn revisited

In the 40-plus year history of the Los Angeles Kings franchise, there have been some pretty big trades. Obviously, none bigger than a deal that went down in August 1988 with the Edmonton Oilers.

However, several moves since then have also created some earthquake like tremors within the LA hockey community. For example, just before the Kings relocated to their new arena downtown in 1999, they traded away prized prospect Olli Jokinen in a package with the Islanders to land Ziggy Palffy.

A few years later, the most controversial trade (by far) saw future Hall of Famer Rob Blake shipped out to the Colorado Avalanche.

Since then, deals to acquire Roman Cechmanek (2003), Jeremy Roenick (2005), Jack Johnson (2006), Ryan Smyth (2009) and Dustin Penner (2011) have been some of the bigger moves. [Ironically, the two trades on that list that worked out the worst for the Kings were both made with the Flyers.]

Yet, it's been a long time since the Kings were involved in something that sent shockwaves through the NHL like this summer's blockbuster deal to bring Philadelphia captain Mike Richards to LA in exchange for Wayne Simmonds and the number one rated prospect in all of hockey, Brayden Schenn.

In a game that fans on both coasts immediately circled on their calenders moments later, the Kings will meet up with the Flyers later this afternoon for the only time this season. In honor of what should be a near-playoff like atmosphere, here's a look back at ten of the most popular articles posted on MayorsManor stemming from the trade and a few more about the players involved...

- Mike Richards already has ideas to help the LA Kings power play

Thursday, October 13, 2011

VIDEO: Barry Melrose gives Kopitar 'Mullet of the Week'

In what has to be the greatest hockey award ever created, Barry Melrose put out his 'Mullet of the Week' award winner today...and Anze Kopitar, who played like a mad man in the Kings first two games of the season, was the proud recipient.

Who ever would have thought after the trading of Ryan Smyth a few months ago that any member of the Kings would be winning a mullet award so soon?



The Mayor
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Kopitar training in one of Europe's most beautiful cities

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Monday, September 19, 2011

Mitchell and Richards developing a bro-mance at camp

It may not be spring, but love is in the air.

Like the first day of school every fall, the opening of training camp for the LA Kings each September brings similar feelings and events with it.

You have the young kids, who are intimidated by the older guys - even though they'll never admit it. You have the new faces - people who walk around all day feeling lost and just trying to find out where the bathrooms are. There's also plenty of reunions - the 'Hey, good to see you, how was your summer?' crowd.

Then, you have the love connections.

It's as if two people have suddenly found their long lost soul mates.

For longtime readers of MayorsManor, you may remember the Anze Kopitar-Ryan Smyth bro-mance of two years ago. Seeing them skate around the ice on opening day of training camp in 2009 was like watching a bumble bee chase around a bird in a cartoon or something. Both were giddy all day, hanging on each other's every word and smiling the whole time.

Well, guess what - cupid may have struck again in El Segundo.

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Look for LA Kings to add 'sandpaper' in next few days

Flyers West?

Nah, it may be time to resurrect 'Oliers South.'

Before Kings GM Dean Lombardi was accused of trying to bring a Philadelphia brand of hockey to Los Angeles, he was on the verge of repeating the cycle of team leaders from the early '90s.

After Wayne Gretzky arrived, the franchise eventually acquired nearly every one of his former Oiler teammates - with one notable exception, Mark Messier.

When guys like Jarret Stoll, Matt Greene and Ryan Smyth started to fill the Kings locker room, some wondered if 'Oilers South' was about to make a comeback.

That story had been pushed to the back burner a bit though as the collection of former Flyers started to increase, peaking with Mike Richards and Simon Gagne nearly two months ago.

Now...we don't deal with rumors much here on MayorsManor...so, this is more than a rumor.

In the next few days, look for another former Oiler to sign a one-year deal with the Kings (for around $1-million).

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Exclusive: Tyler Toffoli on Team Canada camp experience

Last summer the Kings sent six players to Hockey Canada's summer evaluation camp for their 2011 World Junior team.

This year, Tyler Toffoli was the lone representative.

The week long camp ended Sunday night and I spoke with Toffoli yesterday about the overall experience. Here are his thoughts on ten items related to being at camp...

- Overall: "It was good seeing everybody there again, like last year. I felt like camp went well though. It was tough and it was a lot of fun at the same time. We were working hard and getting back into it. It felt good."

- Ryan Smyth being an assistant coach for one of the scrimmages: "I didn't really get a chance to speak with him. He came and spoke with us before the game and was telling us about his previous experiences with Team Canada. After that, we had to get to the rink. So, unfortunately, I couldn't spend any more time with him."

- The t-shirts given to the players in camp that read 'Earned, Not Given': "I think it's kind of self explanatory. You have to work for what you want. And that's definitely what Team Canada is going for next season and moving forward. Hopefully I can be part of it."

- Spending one of the off-ice sessions at a military base: "Yeah, we went to an Army base. We did a little bit of rappelling and we did an obstacle course too. We didn't have to do it with the 40 extra pounds that they have to do it with. But, it was still tough for what we had to do. I can only imagine how tough it is for them when they go through it with all that extra gear that they run around with all the time. The whole experience was amazing. It was good to get out there and work hard."

Sunday, July 31, 2011

POLL: How should NHL resolve Kings-Oliers grievance?

Poor Gary Bettman. The guy gets booed everywhere he goes.

He rarely gets complimented for anything he does, at least not by fans.

And he finds himself in another lose-lose situation after the Los Angeles Kings officially filed a grievance against the Edmonton Oilers.

Regardless of how he resolves the mess, some percentage of people on the opposite side will complain he treated their team unfairly.

I'm sure that annual salary that's north of $7 million will help him sleep at night though. Being the most hated man in hockey does have its price.

So, what's at stake here? Essentially, the Kings feel the Oilers were deceitful, not once - but twice! In re-acquiring Ryan Smyth, they first tried to give the Kings Gilbert Brule - who was injured. The deal was finally consummated when they replaced him with Colin Fraser in the deal. Soon thereafter, it was discovered Fraser had a fairly significant ankle injury.  Thus began the war of words...err, difference of opinion...between Kings GM Dean Lombardi and his Oilers counterpart, Steve Tambellini.

That's the gist of things. Helene Elliott of the LA Times had more details on the story here.

And Colin Fraser had an exclusive interview with MayorsManor here.

Now, for the tough question. If you were Commissioner Bettman, how would you resolve the case?



Poll closes Tuesday at noon.

The Mayor
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Exclusive interview with Colin Fraser - talking injury, trade, Kings, Oilers, etc.

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After grievance filed, exclusive interview with Colin Fraser

Rich Clune, Colin Fraser at Dodger game
It's been a busy week in the land of Mulletgate.

After the Mike Richards press conference on Wednesday, Kings GM Dean Lombardi let it be known he was still keeping his options open when it came to dealing with the aftermath of the Ryan Smyth trade - although indicating things would become more clear in the next 48 hours.

True to his word, two dominoes fell. Center Colin Fraser did in fact have surgery in Los Angeles - ending speculation that he might miraculously heal without it - and on Friday the Kings formally filed their complaint with the league office.

Where things go from here is anybody's guess. The most likely scenarios mentioned - Fraser remaining on the Oilers roster until he's cleared to play (that's a cap savings) and/or additional compensation being given to Los Angeles in the form of a draft pick.

One thing is clear though, Fraser can't wait to put it all behind him and is hoping he's a fast healer.

As we stood on the grass at Dodger Stadium Friday night, with Jarret Stoll rigorously playing catch in front of us, Fraser opened up about the drama surrounding the Kings-Oilers trade this summer.

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

No June Gloom from Los Angeles Kings LW Dustin Penner

If you follow the Los Angeles Kings, you know the story all too well. Needing scoring help, the team makes a trade at the deadline to help give them some extra punch down the stretch. After much excitement from the fan base, the player doesn't produce as expected.

We're not just talking about Dustin Penner. This could be the tale of any number of players the team has acquired over the last decade.

Nearly every one of those players never returned after their brief 20-odd game run with the club. They're just footnotes in team history.

Yet,GM Dean Lombardibelieves the final chapter on Penner hasn't been written yet. He's expecting big things from the player he gave up multiple assets for, including this year's number one draft pick.

Along with the Kings recent addition of the Flyers Mike Richards, they've also picked up Colin Fraser in the deal that sent Ryan Smyth back to Edmonton.

Fraser played 67 games with the Oilers during the 2010-11 campaign after coming over from the Chicago Blackhawks, where he played two full seasons.

Given they were roommates in Edmonton, I caught up with Penner this week to get some comments on Fraser and it wasn't long before we were also talking about his own numbers and what he's focused on this summer.

MM: What can you tell us about Fraser?

DP: Well, obviously he has Stanley Cup experience. Being in a locker room full of guys who are all working towards a common goal of winning, it brings you a bit of knowledge on how to play this game at a high level. In the playoffs he probably didn't get into as many games as other guys on that Stanley Cup team, but winning the Cup gives you a lot of confidence from just being part of that team. He competes in every area of the ice. He's a third or fourth line center, who's good on draws. He'll do anything to help his team win. So, I think he's a real character guy and he brings leadership in that aspect. He's a good all around person too. So, hopefully he gets a chance and cracks the squad.

MM: He was shown joking around a bit on the Oil Change documentary. Is he loose? Is he a funny guy?

Monday, June 27, 2011

Quick Recap - LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on NHL Live

Los Angeles Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi was on NHL Live this afternoon. Below are the key highlights. As with all recaps of this nature, please note these are not exact quotes. The comments are close, yet some areas have been paraphrased for brevity.

* GMs are always surveying the market and throwing around options without being committal. I've known Paul Holmgren from our days in Philadelphia together so it's easier to talk to him and get stuff done. He's more straight forward that there isn't as much negotiating. We're able to cut through all of the posturing. By the time we got to the draft I saw that he was serious about getting it done before the draft started. That put some urgency on it.

* What does Mike Richards give the Kings that they didn't have before? I've admired him from his junior days until now. The kid's a winner, pure and simple. From the Memorial Cup, to the Olympics - and I was amazed when he went to the AHL his first pro year. He has a unique presence, where he can take over a room without even trying. He has that 'it' factor, you can't describe it but you know it when you see it. So much of it comes from the way he plays. He has an aura in the room. That's just something you can't teach. I've stayed away from certain players that don't meet a certain type of MO. Part of building here was not only to build the team, but build the culture. Players like this are culture changers. He still has some work to do to become a well rounded pro. He probably learned a few lessons. I don't think you lose that 'it.'

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Details on Ryan Smyth's 'Official' Trade to the Oilers

Last summer it was Ilya Kovalchuk negotiations, this summer it was the Ryan Smyth trade.

Yes, two entirely different players - and two entirely different situations - yet, some things just take longer than they should.

The week long, back and forth, on-again-off-again saga is now complete and the Kings ended up with basically what they wanted (given that Smyth had asked out) - cap flexibility for the free agent window opening next Friday.

Make no mistake about it, Smyth will be missed by the Kings. In 149 regular season games with the team he amassed 100 total points (45g, 55a). So, say what you will about his speed, the fact remains he was a top goal and point producer on a team that sorely needs more offense. Not to mention the fact that he plays left wing.

At the moment, the Kings have Dustin Penner, Scott Parse and Kyle Clifford down the left side. Taking nothing away from the trio, that isn't enough to strike fear in the hearts of most opponents. Unless of course you're talking about going toe-to-to with the Colonel.

Thus, expect another move - free agent or trade - to fill the hole, most likely to complete the second line of Mike Richards and Dustin Brown.

As for this deal, the Kings received center Colin Fraser and a seventh-round pick in 2012. Fraser has 41 points in 224 NHL games, including three goals in 67 games last season. He's on the books for one more year at $825,000.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Ryan Smyth traded to the Oilers for basically a draft pick

Ryan Smyth is about to test the theory that you can't go home again.

In a deal that came together after the Calgary Flames are believed to have entered the race, the Oilers agreed to send Gilbert Brule and a fourth round draft pick to the Kings in exchange for Captain Canada.

Brule, a center, is under contract for one more year and is most likely headed to Manchester next season or will bought out.  He was a first round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets back in 2005 and was traded to the Oilers in 2008.

At this point, his talents - even though seven goals in 41 games last season aren't bad numbers - are probably not enough to crack the roster in Los Angeles. Thus, all of Smyth's salary comes off the books and frees up GM Dean Lombardi's budget just a week before NHL free agency opens up next Friday.

Dean Lombardi 'troubled' by Ryan Smyth trade request

When the NHL schedule came out yesterday it revealed the Kings will host both the Washington Captials and Pittsburgh Penguins.  Sid and Ovi coming to town? Usually that's enough to talk about on a boring Thursday in June.

Yet, leave it to Dean Lombardi to throw that one out the window.

First, he made a huge trade with the Flyers, acquiring their captain Mike Richards in exchange for a package that included hockey's number one prospect, Brayden Schenn.

Then, hours later, he dropped another bomb on the conference call - yes, Ryan Smyth DID ask for a trade.

As discussed here on MayorsManor earlier in the week, Smyth's team of preference was the Oilers. And our poll showed fans were split on what the Kings should expect in return (results here).

Lombardi, known for his honesty when answering these type of questions, was his usual blunt self...

"This has kind of evolved over the last two months, actually. When Ryan asked to be moved, at first I was really troubled. Ryan, in our first 40 games last year I thought he was one of our better players. He kind of tailed off a little and then, in the playoffs, was one of our best players. And certainly, left wing, it’s not one of our strongest positions. So first off, my reaction was, `No way,’ and I couldn’t figure out why, because I think Ryan had adapted well."

Monday, June 20, 2011

POLL: Ryan Smyth - what's he worth to the LA Kings?

You always have to preface these type of things, so here goes - Ryan Smyth is a class act and was the perfect player at the perfect time when the Kings acquired him a few summers ago.

That said, according to a TSN report earlier today, Smyth has notified the Kings he would like to play for the Edmonton Oilers next season if possible.

It appears to be more than just a rumor.  So, let's look at things...

He's 35 years old and has played in 1,069 NHL regular season games - including 82 this past season (the first time he's played a full season since 2003-04).

His 47 points were fourth best on the Kings, while his 23 goals were third most on the team.

Perhaps most important, he plays left wing - a position the Kings are extremely thin at throughout the entire organization.

Even so, a trade to Edmonton is always possible.  Anything's possible in the NHL!

If you were GM Dean Lombardi, what would you be looking for in return?


Poll closes Thursday night.

Smyth started his career in Edmonton, playing over 750 games there before being traded to the Islanders in a deadline deal in 2007.  His first career game with the Oilers was actually vs. the Kings at the old Forum - something he spoke about in a MayorsManor interview here.

I'm off to Las Vegas in the morning for NHL Awards week. Be sure to follow all the action via twitter and facebook updates at the links below.

The Mayor
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Friday, June 17, 2011

Matt Greene tattoos his Los Angeles Kings teammates

NOTE: This is the archived version of MayorsManor.
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This article is available by clicking here.

Tired of hearing about the Bruins and/or the Canucks? Fear not, that will die down in the next week of so. Plus, you have the NHL Awards coming up next week. Then, the NHL Draft next weekend. Before you know it, free agency will be here.

For now though, how about a Kings related story to get your weekend off to a great start...

A few months back Matt Greene was the judge of a tattoo contest on LAKings.com. Basically, fans were encouraged to send in photos of their ink and Greene would determine who had the best stuff.

Why Greene you ask? Well, the man knows tats - as evidenced by his left leg. Rather than a half-sleeve, I'd guess you'd call it a full-quad? I don't know.

Anyway, throughout the season during various conversations I asked Greener for his opinion on different teammates. As he looked around the locker room he would offer up his suggestion on their first trip to a tattoo parlor.

With some never before published comments, here's what each of these guys should get, according to Matt Greene...

Drew Doughty - "He wants to get his family crest, but I doubt he'll actually pull through on it. He's a little gun shy about the whole 'it's there for life thing.'"

Jack Johnson - "Bald eagle, right across the chest."

Willie Mitchell - "Maybe a stock portfolio, somewhere on his arm."

Kyle Clifford - "Something really tough, maybe brass knuckles. But, when we talked to Cliffy about it he wants to get a big wolf."

Ryan Smyth - "I don't Smitty's going to get a tattoo. But, if he did, it would be Canada. It would be a maple leaf, like 70% of the other Canadians that you play with."

Alec Martinez - "A Louisville Slugger. His girlfriend's from Louisville and she used to work at the Louisville Slugger plant."

Rob Scuderi - "The Jets. New York Jets, right on his heart."

Dustin Brown - "His kids portraits, right across his back."

Jarret Stoll - "Stolly? That's tough. It's always changing with his style. That would be a temporary one, for sure."

Jonathan Bernier - "He already has enough. I might take a couple of his off. He has some bad ones. He knows which one too."

Jonathan Quick - "He got one last summer, so he's pretty fresh. I can't give him anymore right now. He's joining in though. He's going to get some more."

With dozens of tattoo shops in Vegas, who knows - maybe he can get some fresh color during the NHL Awards next week. If I see him there, expect a a follow-up to this article.




PLEASE NOTE - MayorsManor has moved to our new location.  CLICK HERE to visit the new website!

Friday, June 10, 2011

LA Kings Roundtable on player contracts, roster changes

Just in time for the weekend - part five of the recent roundtable discussion on the Los Angeles Kings is now available!

Joining me on the panel were Dennis Bernstein of The 4th Period, Jon Moncrief of the Examiner, Dave Joseph of ESPN and several others.

The group was pulled together by the guys over at KingsCast and in this segment we talk in-depth about which players will be back next year, a certain player that has privately said he's willing to come back at a discounted rate and roster changes that need to take place for the team to become Stanley Cup contenders. Plus, some lively debate on Jarret Stoll, Ryan Smyth, Michal Handzus, Willie Mitchell, Brad Richardson, Trevor Lewis and more!



If you haven't been keeping up with the whole series, here's a recap:

Part one of the roundtable featured discussion on Drew Doughty - click here to watch now.

Part two featured discussion on the power play and prospects - click here to watch now.

Part three had lots of talk on free agent signings, trade rumors, Anze Kopitar, Jonathan Bernier, Dustin Penner and much more - click here to watch now.

Part four went up earlier this week and was mainly about coaching and Johnson vs. Doughty - click here to watch now.

More videos will be released by KingsCast in the weeks to come.



The Mayor
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Prospect Report - Kings had #1 player, now ranked #1 team

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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

POLL: Who was the Los Angeles Kings 2011 Playoff MVP?

First off, I'd like to say thank you to everybody who reads MayorsManor - from the loyal daily readers, to the occasional people just passing by. I appreciate all of you and there will plenty more hockey coverage between now and the start of training camp next fall - including coverage of the draft, free agency, the Kings Summer Development Camp and so much more. We already have several former Kings players lined up for interviews in the weeks to come. So, fear not - you can still get your hockey fix right here.

Now, back to business...

Even though the Kings lost their playoff series to the Sharks this year, it was a grueling six games that reminded me of the series with Edmonton in 1991.

That series ended in six games as well - four of them went to overtime and two needed double overtime. The Kings trailed 3-1 in that series also before winning game five. They came back to Los Angeles for game six and lost to the Oilers 4-3 in overtime. A heart breaker for all Kings fans.

This year was similar. Three games needed overtime - the Kings lost all three. And the Sharks won all three games at Staples Center, including game six last night.

Regardless, several Kings showed great heart and determination throughout the series. The top five candidates for the team's 2011 Playoff MVP are listed below...

Kyle Clifford - Do I really need to explain what he did? Nobody had more goals or more points. Nobody probably had more heart.

Willie Mitchell - Quietly became the Kings best defenseman this season. Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty will get more publicity and bring more offense. Yet, Mitchell brought a new element to the team this year. Plus

Jonathan Quick - Some critics will look at his goals-against-average in this series and dismiss him as a candidate. However, you'd be hard pressed to put even a small fraction of those goals on him. The defense broke down on him - a lot - in this series. He played tremendous and was one of the main reasons the Kings could have easily won five of the six games.

Ryan Smyth - Terry Murray put it best the other day, what Smyth brings isn't on the stat sheets. He is a professional's professional. He provided solid defensive play, chipped in with some offense and brings leadership to the team. His goal in game six is about as clutch as you'll find. His five points (two goals, three assists) in the series tied for the team lead.

Justin Williams - From the guy who wasn't supposed to play, to the guy who stole the headlines in game one. He gave it his all, even if he wasn't 100%. Big props for showing up when it counted most and trying to push the Kings into the second round. His three goals tied for the team lead.

Honorable mention - While I don't think he's deserving of competing with the five guys above, I do want to say - Trevor Lewis played his best hockey as a King in this series. Great job, Elvis. Ditto for Kevin Westgarth. Westie 2.0 was a completely different player.

Who gets your vote?


Poll closes at noon on Wednesday, April 27.

The Mayor
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