MayorsManor LIVE call-in show tonight 8pm PST

MayorsManor LIVE kicks off a five-week run on Wednesdays later this evening. We'll be talking about all of the players and teams impacting the playoff races in both the Eastern and Western conferences.

Tonight, we'll also recap last night's Kings win in Nashville and look ahead to tomorrow's big game in Columbus - where Jeff Carter returns to town and a familiar face will be in a strange sweater, as Jack Johnson is now wearing #7 for the Blue Jackets.

To help us preview that game, Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell will stop by with some funny stories about his former D-partner. And Jarret Stoll will share one of Johnson's quirks when traveling, something that always made Stoll laugh. Plus, Kevin Westgarth will talk about a little pre-game ritual he and Johnson used to perform and who was injured when things went awry.

Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period will join me as co-host for another night of hockey talk galore. Call us up - (347) 426-3754 - we want to hear your questions and opinions.

UPDATE:  If you missed tonight's show, give it a listen in the player below...

Listen to internet radio with MayorsManor X Hockey Chirps on Blog Talk Radio

Also, if you missed our trade deadline special from a few weeks ago, it's available for free right here.

We'll be back next Wednesday at 8pm PST with another show!

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

MayorsManor LIVE call-in show returns Wednesday March 7

Many of you have been asking, so we wanted to go ahead and make the announcement now, MayorsManor LIVE (the call-in show) will be returning on March 7th for a weekly run through the remainder of the season. We'll be on each Wednesday at 8pm PST.

A special thank you goes out to all who have listened and called in - including Ian Laperriere, Jim Fox, Kings prospect Ray Kaunisto and other special guests - as we've been getting this new project off the ground. Most of all, thanks for the ongoing support provided by the MayorsManor readers. We couldn't have done it without you!

Next week, Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period will join me as co-host for another night of hockey talk galore. Call us up, we want to hear your questions. Here's the show page - Hockey Chirps Live, March 7, bookmark it.

If you missed our trade deadline special from Sunday night, it's available for free right here.

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

Jim Fox talks Dustin Brown rumors - is he being traded?

Thanks to everybody who listened in to MayorsManor LIVE tonight. Sorry we ran out of time before we could get to all of the live calls.

Here's Jim Fox, who we pre-taped a segment with just before going on the air. He answers questions about Jeff Carter, addresses the Dustin Brown trade rumors and more. Take a listen...



We'll have the full Sean O'Donnell quotes on Carter and Mike Richards posted shortly.

If you missed tonight's full episode, where we heard from Ray Kaunisto of the Manchester Monarchs, Ian Laperriere of the Philadelphia Flyers and others - click here to listen to the replay.  It's about as much NHL trade talk as you can handle.

Also, if you missed our exclusive one-on-one interview with Brown - where he opens up about the trade rumors - click here to read that piece now.

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

MayorManor LIVE call-in show tonight - trade rumors and special guests

Just a quick reminder that we're looking to hear from you hockey fans! Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period will join me tonight to co-host 90-minutes of wall-to-wall NHL trade rumors. We'll be giving you everything you need to know about tomorrow's trade deadline - who's being shopped, who's not leaving, what teams want in return for certain players and more.

Expect a full look from around the NHL and we'll be taking LIVE calls from you, the listeners. Have a rumor that you want to talk about? Dial us up and we'll give you our take on it.

As if that's not enough though, we'll also be talking with Jim Fox on the rumors surrounding the Kings, as well as their recent acquisition of Jeff Carter.

Plus, two of Carter's former teammates - Ian Laperriere and Sean O'Donnell - also check in with their take on the Kings' new forward. What do they make of all the drama that went down in Philadelphia? And, Lappy will share his opinion of whether the Flyers will be dealing James van Riemsdyk.

You don't want to miss tonight's show!

UPDATE: If you missed it, check the show page here: Mayor's Manor radio - Hockey Chirps Live or listen to the full replay in the audio player below...

Listen to internet radio with MayorsManor X Hockey Chirps on Blog Talk Radio

NOTE: Because we ran long this week, the Jim Fox interview can be found here...and the full comments from Sean O'Donnell can be heard here.

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

LIVE call-in show tonight 8pm PST - Johnson for Carter trade

Knowing that a lot of you will want to weigh in with your opinion on today's big LA Kings trade, MayorsManor will be hosting a special LIVE call-in show tonight at 8pm. Please join us for Hockey Chirps Live - the Johnson/Carter edition.

It will be a jam packed show. But, most of all, we want to hear from you. Do you like the deal? Why or why not? Do you think the Kings are done trading? What would you do if you were GM of the Kings?

Plus, anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.

Joining me to co-host what should be a fun night will be Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period.

The show starts tonight at 8pm PST.

Access the show page here or listen to the full episode using the player below.

Listen to internet radio with MayorsManor X Hockey Chirps on Blog Talk Radio

The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

ANNOUNCEMENT: MayorsManor LIVE call-in show this Sunday

We're looking to hear from you hockey fans! MayorsManor is proud to announce that this Sunday night - on the eve of the NHL Trade Deadline - we're kicking off a new show, Hockey Chirps Live.

It will a be 90-minute call-in show, where we'll be taking your calls to review all possible trade scenarios from around the NHL. Who would you give up for Rick Nash? Jeff Carter? Zach Parise? Why your team should trade player A for player B. Who is the one untouchable on your team? What rumors have you heard - find out if they're fact or fiction.

Anything trade related you want to talk about, we'll answer your questions.

Joining me to co-host this all-new adventure is Dennis Bernstein of The Fourth Period. We'll update you on all the rumors and fill you in on who's likely to be traded...and for what.

Join us this Sunday, starting at 7pm PST.

You can access the show page here.

Hope you'll join us.

[UPDATE: An updated show page, with links to the Jim Fox and Sean O'Donnell interviews can be found here.]

The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

Listen Live - The Mayor on ESPN radio talking LA Kings

Just a quick note, I'll be joining the guys on ESPN radio Ventura today at 4:10pm PST. We'll preview tonight's LA Kings vs Tampa Bay Lightning game, look at the latest info on Simon Gagne's injury, plus talk NHL trade rumors and much more.

Listen live at this link: http://bit.ly/pTBXPg or check the main site at http://www.1450amespn.com/

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

GM Dean Lombardi compares rebuilds by Oilers and Kings

Several teams around the NHL have gone through painful rebuilds over the last decade, with a few already cashing in and finding success. Pittsburgh is typically the franchise most point to for how to 'get it right.' More recently, the Blackhawks have been receiving praise, having won the Stanley Cup in 2010.

Entering the season, many considered the Los Angeles Kings to be on the threshold of achieving similar success. And the team right behind them in the process is the Edmonton Oilers. While LA has largely been built on goaltending and defense, the Oil's clear strength is the abundance of top flight forwards they've drafted recently.

Late last week, Kings GM Dean Lombardi was a guest on Mark Spector's radio show (Team 1260, Edmonton). We've already posted several of Lombardi's comments in previous articles. Here, he tackles the rebuilding process for both the Kings and Oilers...

On the notion LA is just a key free agent away - "The most critical thing - and I told Darryl (Sutter) this when he took over the team - of all the things we can do, we have to make our young players, in fact, top players. Not only top players in the sense of notoriety or contract, but they have to become, in fact, core players (who) can match up with Datsyuk and Lidstrom, Thornton and Boyle and all these guys. That is the number one thing that has to happen. If we don't do that - if these players don't, in fact, become 'winners,' then anything else I do in free agency or trades, it's just going to be conversation because it's not going to happen.

Lombardi - Kings have 'more juice out there' with Sutter

As mentioned last hour, Kings GM Dean Lombardi was a guest earlier today on Mark Spector's radio show up in Edmonton. We've already posted his apology to the Oilers over how he reacted to the fallout of the Ryan Smyth trade last summer. Now, here's what he had to say about coach Darryl Sutter and the recent transformation that has seen the team go 6-1-3...

On why the coaching change has worked out so well over the first 10 games - "If there was a perfect formula for it, I guess everybody would do it and it work all the time. But, I really don't know how to answer that, other than feel. Obviously, I have a great relationship with Darryl that spans six, seven years. Knowing him as a person, as well as a coach, you just get a gut feel that he's the right fit. I've always had enormous respect for Darryl - not only as a coach, but actually more so as a man. When that goes through to your players, the type of person he is, you can only benefit from that. Again, I don't know. These are 'feel' things, just like intangibles and chemistry in your room. So far, we've had some results. But, we both know we have a lot of work to do."

On what's been different with the Kings in the last 10 games compared to earlier this season - "If you're looking for one of the things that generally can happen with you chance coaches, there's a little more juice out there. Darryl's made a few changes. But, mostly, to me, it's in the mindset of the players. So, I think we've had the benefit of that initial burst when you make a change, where the players are ready to listen."

If you missed it, here's Lombardi's apology to the Oilers (link).

Still more to come later this afternoon.

The Mayor
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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor

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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www.facebook.com/MayorsManor 

RELATED ARTICLES:

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

LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on cheating vs. earning it

Lombardi on coach Terry Murray's job performance - exit interview last season

Lombardi evaluates Dustin Brown as a captain

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

LA Kings Lombardi - 'Kopitar may be the new Blake Griffin'

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RECAP: Rob Scuderi on NHL Power Play (Radio)

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi joined the guys on the Power Play to talk a little past (why he signed in LA), present (the road trip) and future (the Kings Stanley Cup possibilities).

Please note - as always, these recaps are near exact quotes. However, some information has been paraphrased for brevity.

Here's a quick recap...

* [topic: What did guys in the room say after the first period in Detroit, with the Kings trailing?] Most of the veterans and the guys talking had the same things to say 'Don't respect the team too much. The Red Wings have a way of putting a team in ah. You sit back and kind of watch them do there thing. Although they are a very good team, you have to remember we're a good team too.' Right off the bat in the second period everybody responded with the right type of attitude, and more importantly, the right type of play.

* [Any confidence carrying over from the 6-1-3 road stretch in February?] We were extremely disappointed in the January homestand. We had a great chance to make up ground and instead we lost a bunch. You don't want to play catch up hockey on the road. However, it seemed to light a fire under our rear ends and get everybody going. Yes, after having that success, we probably entered this road trip with the confidence we can do the same type of thing.

RECAP: Terry Murray on NHL Home Ice Radio

Los Angeles Kings Coach Terry Murray joined the guys on The Power Play yesterday afternoon, a radio show on NHL Home Ice.

He talked about the recently play of Drew Doughty, winning on the road, the schedule, etc. But, first, they opened with some talk about Peter Forsberg, who retired earlier in the day. Murray had coached him in Philadelphia several years ago.

Here's a recap of the conversation...

* Murray said Forsberg was a great player, one of the most competitive players he's ever been around, could take a game over by himself, brought a great attitude and incredible level of skill. He was also glad to see Forsberg give it one more try before officially deciding he's done.

* (Host) For as disappointed as you were in the January homestand, you have to be equally as excited with how things are going on the road - (TM) We forgot how hard you have to work to win hockey games. It bit us very badly. We're on the road now and playing well. The guys are really digging in and competing hard. We've improved in the checking part of the game - that was a big focus for us coming into the road trip. There was some speed coming at us on the rush, coming through the neutral zone. We've made some adjustments. We put a focus on that, to be much better without the puck. And I think that's the big reason why we've been able to improve defensively lately.

Recap of Justin Williams on NHL Radio

The Kings are back home in Los Angeles for a few days before flying out to Pittsburgh on Wednesday.

Earlier today, fresh off his big game in Calgary Saturday night (three points and a goal in the shootout), Justin Williams joined the guys on NHL radio's PowerPlay for a quick interview.

Here are the highlights...

* What's the team's mindset on this road trip, considering you probably need to make up some games after that 2-6 homestand in January? Our season has been such a roller coaster. We've been too streaky. We're in the middle of one of those streaks right now, where we're scoring goals and picking up two points most nights.

* Regarding the closeness of the games - (JW) Even if you win six in a row right now it seems like you don't gain much ground in the Western Conference. You need to consistently get six or seven points out of every ten points possible.

* (Host) You seem to be healthy after several injuries the last few seasons. (JW) I think the most important step for me this season has been playing every game. I know if I'm healthy and if my mind is feeling right, those points are going to come. I'm going to get some action on the offensive side. For now, it's about winning games and games played.

RECAP: Willie Mitchell on NHL Home Ice Radio

Los Angeles Kings defenseman Willie Mitchell joined the guys on NHL Home Ice radio earlier this afternoon.  Although they asked a little about the win last night and his injury woes in 2010, the bulk of the interview was spent talking up rookie Kyle Clifford.  Here's a quick recap...

* How important was it to win again at Staples Center after the recent eight game home stand where the team went 2-6? I think we could all feel it coming. Over the few games before I think we were starting to play good hockey again, just not getting the results. So, it's nice to get rewarded. For the mental aspect, it was big.

* (on Clifford) He reminds me of Rick Rypien when he was breaking in with the Vancouver Canucks. Nobody really knew he was and I'd see him beat up guys left and right. Finally, word started to get out. Cliffy is much the same way, but actually even younger. He's a good hockey player too. He's done the physical stuff and that's probably a big reason why he stayed up in the NHL at such a young age. His game is going to continue to evolve though. He's a really good player and he'll be a good player for us for a long time.

Shane Doan Would Pick Kopitar at NHL All-Star Draft

Anze Kopitar received some recent praise from one of the most respected captains in the league...

Friday afternoon Shane Doan of the Phoenix Coyotes was a guest on The PowerPlay (NHL Radio show) and they were talking about the fact that the Coyotes didn't have any players selected to attend this year's NHL All-Star Game.

Which, if you're looking for a positive, means Doan doesn't have to worry about potentially being the last player selected in this Friday's All-Star Draft (note: the NHL is using a new format this year, where two captains actually hand pick their teams in a televised special airing live this coming Friday).

On the other hand, the hosts wanted to know - hypothetically, if Doan was one of the captains picking the teams , who would be some of the players he'd pick earlier than people might expect?

He responded with "I think Kopitar is an incredible player. I think he'd be a guy that would go high. He's so talented. I like Jonathan Toews and Danny Briere too. Obviously, everybody is going to be picking them high as well. But, Anze Kopitar is as good as there is when it comes to young guys in the league. If his team was doing a little better, he'd be getting the attention he deserves."

In reality, the All-Star Game captains will be Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings) and Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes).

And yes, it will be interesting to see who selects Kopitar...and when.

[UPDATE: Wonder who Kopitar would pick? Click here to see the talented center take on The Mayor in a mock draft]

The Mayor
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RELATED ARTICLES:

Recap of Dean Lombardi on NHL Live

Hrudey Has High Praise for Quick on NHL Live

For Quick and the Kings, 37 Is the New All Star Target

Recap of Dean Lombardi on NHL Live

Kings President and General Manager Dean Lombardi joined the gang on NHL Live radio this morning. Here's a quick recap...

* When I first got here I was shocked by how passionate the core fan base was. A real test of your fan base is how things go when you aren't doing well. They're a very passionate group. They've paid their dues and they deserve a winner here.

* How do you feel about the team right now? I went through this building process in San Jose and having that experience (of growing pains) makes it a little easier to emotionally and rationally work your way though it. The second year is the toughest (the year after you make the playoffs). The first year you're able to sneak up on people, team's don't respect you and there's no real price for failure. The second year you come back is totally different.  Learning to deal with the expectations people put on you is tough. It's always harder in life to do things with expectations versus accomplishing something without expectations on you.

* The spiking (streaks of wins and losses, like 12-3 start or recent losing streak) is something you usually don't see.

* Dealing with success is harder than dealing with failure. When we were 12-3 it's easy to get complacent or start believing your own press. You have to learn from it.

Kelly Hrudey on Jonathan Quick

Former Kings goaltender (and current Hockey Night in Canada analyst) Kelly Hrudey was on NHL Live radio yesterday. He talked quite a bit about Jonathan Quick, so I thought I'd pass on some of the quotes...

Billy Jaffe asked "If you could pick one goalie to start a team with right now, who would it be?"

Hrudey responded with "For many reasons I can chose about five or ten guys. So, this may surprise you a little bit - but because of age, because of the way he's playing right now, I'd guess I'd go with Carey Price...but, I may go with Jonathan Quick."

He went on to say that Quick "really impressed" him last year and he's "20 percent better" this season, adding "there's just something about his mental make-up that makes him feel like he's a general back there. Like nothing is going to affect him. He is, in my opinion, in the top five right now."

Hrudey said even though Quick isn't "getting a lot of credit" right now and is "flying under the radar," that "because of his competitive nature" he likes him a lot.

High praise from a guy that knows a thing or two about the position.

For more comments from Hrudey about many of the top goaltenders in the Western Conference - including more on Quick/Bernier, plus Roberto Luongo, Marty Turco, Antti Niemi, Jimmy Howard, Craig Anderson, Jaroslav Halak, etc. - be sure to check out his visit to MayorsManor from earlier this season.  We covered it all in an interview linked here.



The Mayor
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Recap of Brayden Schenn on NHL Radio

There's finally a plan in place for Brayden Schenn's next few weeks.

He's been living day-to-day for the last three months. Not anymore. Currently, he's with Team Canada and preparing to start the World Junior Championships on Boxing Day (12/26).

Here's a quick recap of his interview on NHL Radio...

* This year's team (Canada) is "big and fast and looks good on paper."

* They'll probably arrive in Buffalo on 12/23. Their first game is 12/26 vs. Russia.

* It's been a "whirlwind of a first half" for him, filled with "a lot of uncertainty." However, he values the experience he gained with the Kings, the Manchester Monarchs, etc.

* He's one of four returnees for Canada, the defending champion U.S. has eight. He's not worried about being ranked second entering the tournament. Canada is "expected to win gold every year" and it's up to the U.S. to deal with that pressure.

* He thinks Russia has something to prove, given their loss to the Swiss in the semi-finals last year. So, that's going to be a good test for Canada right out of the gate.

* In his opinion, Canada will have great goaltending and big defenseman. Offensively, they don't have guys like Jordan Eberle (Edmonton Oilers) - but he doesn't agree with people who say the team will have trouble scoring.

* He talks to his older brother Luke (Toronto Maple Leafs) nearly everyday, either via text or phone call. They're 21 months apart.

It's rumored that Schenn is one of the three front runners for the Team Canada captaincy.  So far, nothing has been officially announced, should be within the next few days.

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

RELATED ARTICLES:

The Complete Story on Brayden Schenn

Coach Terry Murray on the hold up with Brayden Schenn

Comments from Schenn the day before being returned to the WHL

Comments from Schenn after eight games in October

Recap of Marco Sturm on NHL Radio

Recap of Marco Sturm on NHL Radio

For a guy who isn't playing right now, Marco Sturm sure is wrapping up the frequent miles over the last week or so. From Boston to Los Angeles, then off to St. Louis where he joined the Kings and he's now in Nashville.

In between travel, rehabbing his knee, and getting to know his new teammates, Sturm took time out to check in with the NHL Power Play radio show. Here are the highlights...

* He thought the trade was going down 10 days ago. He went to LA earlier this week and passed all his tests and he's "glad to be an LA King now."  It was tough mentally though because he had to say goodbye to his Bruins teammates multiple times.

* Being traded from San Jose to Boston was more difficult, as it was the first time he had to face that situation. However, he had two guys with him (Brad Stuart and Wayne Primeau) and they helped him a lot. The good thing this time was he was more prepared for the trade to happen.

* Going back to California is a positive in the deal. He loved it in San Jose and knew he wanted to come back this way. As soon as he heard Dean Lombardi was interested, it was an easy decision for him to waive his no trade clause.

* At the time he joined the Bruins (2005-06), he thinks the Eastern Conference had the "big guys, the tougher guys." Now, hockey has changed. The West is tight - not only the standings, but how they play the game. Recently, he's been trying to watch as many games from the West as possible to familiarize himself with things.

* He's pushing to play two games before Christmas, might only get one though.

* He had a good week of practice in Boston, including full contact. He wants one week with the Kings before getting into a game. He feels good, feels healthy.

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

RELATED ARTICLES:

10 Tidbits on Marco Sturm

Marco Sturm:  Five Points on the LA-Boston Trade

Sturm Completes the St. Louis Circle

How the Sturm Trade Affects Schenn

Welcome to LA - 10 Tidbits on Willie Mitchell

Recap of Justin Williams on NHL Live

Justin Williams was on NHL Live radio this morning.  Here are some very quick highlights...

*  He thought with all the injuries the last few years he had lost a step.  That's something he worked hard on over the summer - to regain that step, his quickness and his confidence.

*  The Kings didn't score on the five minute power play last night.  Who is credited for keeping the team from getting down?  Jonathan Quick.  He's playing the best hockey of his career.  He's making stops and seeing everything.  He's in the zone right now.  We played a great defensive game.

*  What has Willie Mitchell mean to the team?  He has given us extra confidence.  By choosing us it helps everybody believe in ourselves more.  We want to be a top echelon team.  Willie is a great shut down guy and a great character guy in the locker room.