Normally I do my Stat Check feature as a Twitter exclusive, today it was too long, so here goes:
* Between the Pipes - With the Hawks playing Huet last night in Anaheim there's a good chance the Kings will face back-up goaltender Antti Niemi. Unfortunately, that might not be such good news. Huet is 1-2-0 lifetime vs the Kings. And Neime? Well, after giving up just 2 goals and stopping 22 others vs the Kings last season, he earned his first NHL victory.
* More on the Netminders - Goaltending has been strong for the Hawks this season, as they currently lead the league with the fewest shots allowed per game at 24.2 (LA is second at just 26.3.). However, last night Chicago gave up a season high 34 shots to the Ducks and have now been outshot in three of their last five games. While goal differential isn't as important in the NHL as it is in international play, entering tonight's game the numbers for the season are quite glaring. Chi-town's team is +23 for the season (scoring 23 times more than their opponents), while LA is -3.
* Split Decision - The two teams split the four game series last season, each winning their pair on home ice. Earlier this month the trend continued in the first match up this season when the Kings lost to the Hawks in Chicago.
* Bucking the Trend - When teams play the second game of back to back nights the odds strongly favor the more rested team...unless you're the Blackhawks. Last year they finished will above .500 in those second games and this season they're an astonishing and 4-0-1 in the second game. Time to erase that zero tonight?
* Balance of Power - Chicago has the fourth best powerplay on the road, LA has the third best powerplay at home. Both teams average about 12 penalty minutes per game. Pretty even so far. Then comes the penalty kill. Chicago is 21st on road, LA is 28th at home. Evenly miserable?
* Olympic Preview - Several players on both teams will be seeing time for their respective countries in Vancouver next February. Interestingly enough, Duncan Keith (Chi) and Drew Doughty (LA) could even be defensive partners.
Finally, its my birthday so I'm feeling a little froggy today. How about a prediction:
Kings win 4-2. Brown and Stoll each have a three point night.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?
Living in Southern California we're blessed with the best of everything. Warm weather about 11 months a year practically provides us a mini vacation every weekend. However, the majority of people still take their actual vacations during the summer months. Depending where you go, staying connected to the real world can be a bit of a problem. Yet, hockey fans usually don't worry too much during that time period because after all...there isn't much NHL news between the three day weekends in late May and early September - sans around the first of July when free agency begins. So, if you took off with the fam' in early August, you may have missed one of the more disturbing hockey related stories of the summer.
Los Angeles is a hodgepodge of people. Some are transplants, coming from big cities like New York and Chicago. Others are natives, born and raised here in the most beautiful city in the world. True Angelenos don't have much experience with taxis and subways - unless you've done some traveling. Even then, a few days in a city with public transportation wouldn't make you an expert. So, lets quickly review proper taxi cab etiquette...
Beating up a cabbie over your fare is not acceptable!
We've all heard the stories about young athletes being pampered, not aware of how things are in the real world. Well, it happened once again. Stupid teenager, out drinking until the wee hours of the morning, thinking he was invincible, believing he was more important than the average person. Such was the case on August 9th when Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane was arrested in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. Seems him and his cousin decided it was OK to beat up 62-year-old cabdriver Jan Radecki.
What, you thought when you paid $15.00 for a $13.80 cab fare the driver was supposed to give you exact change? This brilliant line of deductive thinking came from a guy the Blackhawks said "is a big part of our organization and a team leader." Really, a leader?
Kings GM Dean Lombardi has repeatedly talked about the importance of character when building a team. Sure, there is no denying Patrick Kane is an incredibly talented hockey player. The goals, the Calder Trophy, the phenomenal plays - you can take it all. I have no tolerance for guys like Kane. When you're blessed with what he's been given and the money to go along with it, you flip the guy a $20, maybe even two $20s, and say "Thanks for the ride, be safe out there."
No, I don't expect players to be saints. I'm sure the big stars of the prior generation - Messier, Gretzky, Robitaille, Roenick, Chellios, etc. - I'm sure they all weren't perfect every minute of every day. Dumb enough to punch an innocent man in the face, grab his throat and smash his glasses? I think not.
Money can't buy you love...or so the saying goes. Apparently, it also cant buy you class either.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
NOTE: Tonight's Kings game versus the Chicago Blackhawks is not sold out. Better yet, CLICK HERE to get discounted tickets. Simply use offer code "WCC" to get savings of up to 60% off. Buy 'em now. Puck drops at 7:30, be there!
Los Angeles is a hodgepodge of people. Some are transplants, coming from big cities like New York and Chicago. Others are natives, born and raised here in the most beautiful city in the world. True Angelenos don't have much experience with taxis and subways - unless you've done some traveling. Even then, a few days in a city with public transportation wouldn't make you an expert. So, lets quickly review proper taxi cab etiquette...
Beating up a cabbie over your fare is not acceptable!
We've all heard the stories about young athletes being pampered, not aware of how things are in the real world. Well, it happened once again. Stupid teenager, out drinking until the wee hours of the morning, thinking he was invincible, believing he was more important than the average person. Such was the case on August 9th when Chicago Blackhawks superstar Patrick Kane was arrested in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. Seems him and his cousin decided it was OK to beat up 62-year-old cabdriver Jan Radecki.
What, you thought when you paid $15.00 for a $13.80 cab fare the driver was supposed to give you exact change? This brilliant line of deductive thinking came from a guy the Blackhawks said "is a big part of our organization and a team leader." Really, a leader?
Kings GM Dean Lombardi has repeatedly talked about the importance of character when building a team. Sure, there is no denying Patrick Kane is an incredibly talented hockey player. The goals, the Calder Trophy, the phenomenal plays - you can take it all. I have no tolerance for guys like Kane. When you're blessed with what he's been given and the money to go along with it, you flip the guy a $20, maybe even two $20s, and say "Thanks for the ride, be safe out there."
No, I don't expect players to be saints. I'm sure the big stars of the prior generation - Messier, Gretzky, Robitaille, Roenick, Chellios, etc. - I'm sure they all weren't perfect every minute of every day. Dumb enough to punch an innocent man in the face, grab his throat and smash his glasses? I think not.
Money can't buy you love...or so the saying goes. Apparently, it also cant buy you class either.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
NOTE: Tonight's Kings game versus the Chicago Blackhawks is not sold out. Better yet, CLICK HERE to get discounted tickets. Simply use offer code "WCC" to get savings of up to 60% off. Buy 'em now. Puck drops at 7:30, be there!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
I'm Thankful For -
In my cliche article of the week, I'm thankful for the following things about the game of hockey:
* The Stanley Cup - of course the Cup! It is without a doubt the single best trophy in all of sports. Seriously, you get to keep it for a whole day. What could be better? It also comes with it's own superstitions too - don't touch it if you haven't won it. Don't look it straight in the eye. But, best of all, your name gets engraved on it forever. Someday people, someday, there will be a Cup celebration in Los Angeles. There has to be, right?
* Game Sevens - The playoffs could have made the list on their own. Eight teams in your conference, all battling it out for a chance to simply play for the aforementioned Cup. That's why we're all here. Yet, it's more than that. It's about those game sevens. When a series is tied 3-3 you're almost guaranteed magic. Whether its a double overtime game or a dramatic game winning goal in the final minutes, it's always something. My favorite series of all time was the Leafs-Kings from '93...and yep, it had the best Game 7 of all time too, with Gretzky putting the team on his back, scoring a hat trick and carrying LA to the finals.
* The Jerseys - no other sport makes such a fashion statement with their uniforms. The colors, the logos, the history...it's all there. And people get it into it - a far greater percentage of the fans show up wearing jerseys at a hockey game versus any other professional sport in North America. Fans also love to debate which teams have the best jerseys and the worst jerseys. By the way, the Blackhawks jersey is still the best. Worst of all time? Has to be the Kings 'Burger King' jersey. You could go with the Ducks green 'Wild Wing' jersey, yet - does it really even count? Their entire team merchandise was an embarrassment long before then. It's a frickin' movie, not a hockey team! Ok, I've purged.
* The Sticks - some might say it's an extension of the previous point and just lump it into a general category labeled the equipment. For me, they each deserve their own section. Like the jerseys, the sticks are so varied. And unlike the equipment of any other sport. Think about it, would it really be that exciting to see a Hall of Fame display in Cooperstown with 200 bats? They would all look extremely similar. In hockey you have many different manufactures, different colors, different styles...all unique. Then you have the way guys tape them - some go with white tape, some black. Some like tape from top to bottom, others have just a little on the blade. Again, no other sport has equipment so personalized to the individual player.
* Road Trips - traveling to see your favorite baseball or football team just doesn't bring the same intimacy of seeing a road game in hockey. Perhaps it's because those games are played in such larger venues, I don't know. All I can say is I've been to over 20 NHL arenas to see the Kings play and without a doubt, each one has special memories - regardless of the final score that night. Most fans welcome you with open arms, even when you fly the enemy colors. It's like a giant brotherhood. Funny thing though, the tougher the town is supposed to be (i.e. New York, Detroit, etc.) the nicer the fans are. Weird. Worst place to see a game, San Jose. Best place to see a game, MSG.
What hockey things are you thankful for?
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
* The Stanley Cup - of course the Cup! It is without a doubt the single best trophy in all of sports. Seriously, you get to keep it for a whole day. What could be better? It also comes with it's own superstitions too - don't touch it if you haven't won it. Don't look it straight in the eye. But, best of all, your name gets engraved on it forever. Someday people, someday, there will be a Cup celebration in Los Angeles. There has to be, right?
* Game Sevens - The playoffs could have made the list on their own. Eight teams in your conference, all battling it out for a chance to simply play for the aforementioned Cup. That's why we're all here. Yet, it's more than that. It's about those game sevens. When a series is tied 3-3 you're almost guaranteed magic. Whether its a double overtime game or a dramatic game winning goal in the final minutes, it's always something. My favorite series of all time was the Leafs-Kings from '93...and yep, it had the best Game 7 of all time too, with Gretzky putting the team on his back, scoring a hat trick and carrying LA to the finals.
* The Jerseys - no other sport makes such a fashion statement with their uniforms. The colors, the logos, the history...it's all there. And people get it into it - a far greater percentage of the fans show up wearing jerseys at a hockey game versus any other professional sport in North America. Fans also love to debate which teams have the best jerseys and the worst jerseys. By the way, the Blackhawks jersey is still the best. Worst of all time? Has to be the Kings 'Burger King' jersey. You could go with the Ducks green 'Wild Wing' jersey, yet - does it really even count? Their entire team merchandise was an embarrassment long before then. It's a frickin' movie, not a hockey team! Ok, I've purged.
* The Sticks - some might say it's an extension of the previous point and just lump it into a general category labeled the equipment. For me, they each deserve their own section. Like the jerseys, the sticks are so varied. And unlike the equipment of any other sport. Think about it, would it really be that exciting to see a Hall of Fame display in Cooperstown with 200 bats? They would all look extremely similar. In hockey you have many different manufactures, different colors, different styles...all unique. Then you have the way guys tape them - some go with white tape, some black. Some like tape from top to bottom, others have just a little on the blade. Again, no other sport has equipment so personalized to the individual player.
* Road Trips - traveling to see your favorite baseball or football team just doesn't bring the same intimacy of seeing a road game in hockey. Perhaps it's because those games are played in such larger venues, I don't know. All I can say is I've been to over 20 NHL arenas to see the Kings play and without a doubt, each one has special memories - regardless of the final score that night. Most fans welcome you with open arms, even when you fly the enemy colors. It's like a giant brotherhood. Funny thing though, the tougher the town is supposed to be (i.e. New York, Detroit, etc.) the nicer the fans are. Weird. Worst place to see a game, San Jose. Best place to see a game, MSG.
What hockey things are you thankful for?
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
What Shoulda Been...
History often repeats itself and it seemed destined to do so again this week. In a story that seemed eerily familiar to one from 20 years ago, the Kings-Oilers game tonight in Alberta should have been a well publicized homecoming for the boy who once proudly wore an Edmonton jersey. A man who now suits up for the Kings. The boy who was drafted by his by his childhood team and went on to become Captain Canada...now returning as Captain California.
For more than a decade Ryan Smyth was the Oilers. While his teams didn't bring the on ice success of the ones Wayne Gretzky played for, Oiler fans didn't love him any less. Eventually, more than a decade apart, each guy left town and the city was ripped to it's core. Men, women and children openly wept. Both player's connection to the city transcended the sport and the entire experience of being a fan.
For Gretzky, coming to LA was a fresh start. Something Smyth echoed in several interviews himself earlier this summer. With the wound left by the trade of August 9th, 1988 still fresh and open, as anger and hurt raged on, #99 returned home to Edmonton on October 19th for the first time as a King. Back then, to properly put that game into perspective, Oilers public relations director Bill Tuele said "It's a bigger ticket than the seventh game of the (Stanley Cup) final."
LA lost to the Oilers 8-6 that night. A week or so later the rematch was in LA, also won by the Oilers 5-4. Fortunately, the Kings ultimately won the war that season, beating the defending Stanley Cup Champion Oilers in the first round of the playoffs. An epic seven game series that was a cornerstone of what used to be one of the best rivalries in hockey.
Like most good stories, it wasn't completely written in that first chapter. The Oilers will be forever be known as the roadblock for the Kings in the playoffs; beating them in 1990, 1991 & 1992. It was the '90 series that cut deep, as the Oilers extracted revenge on the Kings with a 4-0 series sweep. The following year wasn't much better though. The Oilers dumped a bunch of salary that season and the Kings went on to win their first (and only) Smythe Division title. Didn't matter though. Come playoff time the scab Oil team beat the high salaried Kings.
During those early 90s the Kings were collecting former Oilers like a teenage nerd and his bug collection. The SoCal Oilers eventually featured guys like Kurri, Coffey, McSorley, Fuhr, Huddy, Conacher and so many more. Just think about if they woulda been able to get just one more, Mark Messier. What coulda been. Ah, I digress...
Then there was the hatred. The list began with names like Muni, MacTavish, Anderson, Tikkanen, Beukeboom, Steve Smith, Buchberger...and it went on and on. They would constantly start problems after Fuhr or Ranford covered the puck. Oh, Ranford...RAN-ford, RAN-ford, RAN-ford - that chant would ring in your ears for days after some games.
Even with their disdain for the Kings though, the city of Edmonton still had love for the Great One as the years went by. I was privileged enough to watch Gretzky's last three games in an LA uniform in person. That's not something I share in common with most other Kings fans, as those three games were on the road - the middle contest being in Edmonton. The Trade had taken place eight years earlier, yet is was still fresh on the minds of most that night. What a thrill it was to see Wayne work his magic in that building, even if outside it was hard not to feel conflicted. After all, it isn't very often you take a road trip and see the captain of the visiting team immortalized in a huge statue outside the home team's arena. Awkward and surreal.
For much of the last 10 years the feud between the two teams has slowed to barely a simmer, with each side retooling several times. But, perhaps this coulda been a bigger game if Craig MacTavish were still coaching. The once nasty player, referred to by Kings fans as 'McToilet', had gone from being one of the last players to skate in the NHL without a helmet to an angry and bitter coach. He was let go this summer. Oh it was fun to watch him lose.
Summer before last a trade between the two teams seemed to stoke things along ever so slightly. It certainly wasn't as big as The Trade, yet it's still important to both teams suiting up tonight. In the summer of 2008 Lubomir Visnovsky was sent to the Oilers in exchange for Jarret Stoll and Matt Greene. Sure, it would be nice to have the talented and offensively minded Lubo on this year's Kings team. However, if we could rewind the clock and the deal was on the table again - make the trade or don't make the trade - Dean should do it all over again and twice on Sunday.
Then there's Patrick O'Sullivan, the guy that shoulda been a star for the Kings. It didn't work out that way and he's now in Edmonton. Lately he's been popping off at the mouth about everybody and everything, including taking jabs at the fans in Los Angeles. In an ironic twist, a few games after he was quoted as saying how much better it is to play in the hockey rich Canadian city versus the laid back LA, he was taken to task by former Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey and Mike Milbury for his poor play (article here), to which he responded with "I don't care what (he) has to say. He's on TV for a reason." Probably shoulda just kept his mouth shut to begin with.
Where does all this take us? Is there enough juice flowing between the two teams for a rebirth of the rivalry? Without Smyth in the line-up tonight, it's doubtful.
Interestingly enough though, the link between Smyth, the Oilers and the Kings started way back during the 1994-95 season. Long since forgotten by all but the most ardent fans is the fact that Rhyno played his first pro hockey game back at the Forum - no not in Montreal, Los Angeles. Kings-Oilers at the Fabulous Forum. Full circle indeed.
Now as a member of the Kings, Smyth was set to return to the building in Edmonton where he previously was royalty of a different sort. It shoulda been something special.
For now, it will have to wait. An upper body injury has forced him to miss the next few weeks.
Kings-Oilers. It will mean a lot to some tonight, more to others.
It woulda meant much, much more with Rhyno in the line-up.
The Mayorwww.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
For more than a decade Ryan Smyth was the Oilers. While his teams didn't bring the on ice success of the ones Wayne Gretzky played for, Oiler fans didn't love him any less. Eventually, more than a decade apart, each guy left town and the city was ripped to it's core. Men, women and children openly wept. Both player's connection to the city transcended the sport and the entire experience of being a fan.
For Gretzky, coming to LA was a fresh start. Something Smyth echoed in several interviews himself earlier this summer. With the wound left by the trade of August 9th, 1988 still fresh and open, as anger and hurt raged on, #99 returned home to Edmonton on October 19th for the first time as a King. Back then, to properly put that game into perspective, Oilers public relations director Bill Tuele said "It's a bigger ticket than the seventh game of the (Stanley Cup) final."LA lost to the Oilers 8-6 that night. A week or so later the rematch was in LA, also won by the Oilers 5-4. Fortunately, the Kings ultimately won the war that season, beating the defending Stanley Cup Champion Oilers in the first round of the playoffs. An epic seven game series that was a cornerstone of what used to be one of the best rivalries in hockey.
Like most good stories, it wasn't completely written in that first chapter. The Oilers will be forever be known as the roadblock for the Kings in the playoffs; beating them in 1990, 1991 & 1992. It was the '90 series that cut deep, as the Oilers extracted revenge on the Kings with a 4-0 series sweep. The following year wasn't much better though. The Oilers dumped a bunch of salary that season and the Kings went on to win their first (and only) Smythe Division title. Didn't matter though. Come playoff time the scab Oil team beat the high salaried Kings.
During those early 90s the Kings were collecting former Oilers like a teenage nerd and his bug collection. The SoCal Oilers eventually featured guys like Kurri, Coffey, McSorley, Fuhr, Huddy, Conacher and so many more. Just think about if they woulda been able to get just one more, Mark Messier. What coulda been. Ah, I digress...
Then there was the hatred. The list began with names like Muni, MacTavish, Anderson, Tikkanen, Beukeboom, Steve Smith, Buchberger...and it went on and on. They would constantly start problems after Fuhr or Ranford covered the puck. Oh, Ranford...RAN-ford, RAN-ford, RAN-ford - that chant would ring in your ears for days after some games.
Even with their disdain for the Kings though, the city of Edmonton still had love for the Great One as the years went by. I was privileged enough to watch Gretzky's last three games in an LA uniform in person. That's not something I share in common with most other Kings fans, as those three games were on the road - the middle contest being in Edmonton. The Trade had taken place eight years earlier, yet is was still fresh on the minds of most that night. What a thrill it was to see Wayne work his magic in that building, even if outside it was hard not to feel conflicted. After all, it isn't very often you take a road trip and see the captain of the visiting team immortalized in a huge statue outside the home team's arena. Awkward and surreal.
For much of the last 10 years the feud between the two teams has slowed to barely a simmer, with each side retooling several times. But, perhaps this coulda been a bigger game if Craig MacTavish were still coaching. The once nasty player, referred to by Kings fans as 'McToilet', had gone from being one of the last players to skate in the NHL without a helmet to an angry and bitter coach. He was let go this summer. Oh it was fun to watch him lose.
Summer before last a trade between the two teams seemed to stoke things along ever so slightly. It certainly wasn't as big as The Trade, yet it's still important to both teams suiting up tonight. In the summer of 2008 Lubomir Visnovsky was sent to the Oilers in exchange for Jarret Stoll and Matt Greene. Sure, it would be nice to have the talented and offensively minded Lubo on this year's Kings team. However, if we could rewind the clock and the deal was on the table again - make the trade or don't make the trade - Dean should do it all over again and twice on Sunday.
Then there's Patrick O'Sullivan, the guy that shoulda been a star for the Kings. It didn't work out that way and he's now in Edmonton. Lately he's been popping off at the mouth about everybody and everything, including taking jabs at the fans in Los Angeles. In an ironic twist, a few games after he was quoted as saying how much better it is to play in the hockey rich Canadian city versus the laid back LA, he was taken to task by former Kings goalie Kelly Hrudey and Mike Milbury for his poor play (article here), to which he responded with "I don't care what (he) has to say. He's on TV for a reason." Probably shoulda just kept his mouth shut to begin with.
Where does all this take us? Is there enough juice flowing between the two teams for a rebirth of the rivalry? Without Smyth in the line-up tonight, it's doubtful.Interestingly enough though, the link between Smyth, the Oilers and the Kings started way back during the 1994-95 season. Long since forgotten by all but the most ardent fans is the fact that Rhyno played his first pro hockey game back at the Forum - no not in Montreal, Los Angeles. Kings-Oilers at the Fabulous Forum. Full circle indeed.
Now as a member of the Kings, Smyth was set to return to the building in Edmonton where he previously was royalty of a different sort. It shoulda been something special.
For now, it will have to wait. An upper body injury has forced him to miss the next few weeks.
Kings-Oilers. It will mean a lot to some tonight, more to others.
It woulda meant much, much more with Rhyno in the line-up.
The Mayorwww.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Monday, November 23, 2009
Manchester Mondays
In a new feature here on MayorsManor.com we're going to take a look at the Kings top prospects playing down in the AHL for the Manchester Monarchs. This will be a semi regular feature, usually appearing on Mondays the Kings have off.
Manchester is currently tied for the Eastern Conference lead, with 27 points. Their 12 wins in 21 games is second best to the Hershey Bears - who have won 13 in just 19 games. Hershey seems to be picking up right where they left off, winning last season's AHL championship (the Calder Cup). Washington Capitals first round draft pick John Carlson was playing for the Bears until recently, when the rookie defenseman was called up to the NHL. Meanwhile, the Monarchs have had their own rookie to feel good about, 2008's fifth round selection by the Kings, Andrei Loktionov.
You may remember that name from back in September. He had a superb rookie camp and I wrote about him multiple times, in articles HERE and HERE (click them and read up!). The 19 year old is off to a fast start in Manchester, with 17 points in 20 games while maintaining a plus 6 rating. Prior to this season he played with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. In just 51 regular season games he had 66 points and was a plus 28 last year. He didn't lose any ground in the playoffs either, tallying 33 points (tops for OHL rookies) in 20 playoff games - helping Windsor to win the Memorial Cup Championship. This kid is no joke, having played in the Russian Super League during the 2007-08 season and for Team Russia at the 2008 Under-18 World Championships. Earlier today he got 'the call' and is currently packing his bags to join the Kings for their two game Canadian road trip starting Wednesday in Edmonton.
Also called up to the big club today was Brandon "Bugsy" Segal. It will be interesting to see what type of game the right winger adds to the Kings team. Plenty of organizations have certainly given up on him to a certain degree. After originally being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth-round back in 2002, he's spent time in the Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning organizations. Back in July he was picked up by Dean, Hex and the gang after having a brief taste of the NHL last year - debuting in a March contest between the Lightning and Penguins.
Casual LA fans are probably most familiar with goaltender Jonathan Bernier and defenseman Thomas Hickey. If nothing else, you've heard their names. Both are former first round draft picks and guys the Kings are betting big on in the coming years. Bernier has been playing lights out hockey almost all year for the Monarchs. However, he isn't expected to get a call up anytime soon. The team has given the reigns to Quick in LA and wants Bernier to get one more year of seasoning in the minors.
Another name you might recognize is Oscar Moller. The 5'10" center played his way on to the team coming out of camp last season. He played decently for the first few months and then was lent to Team Sweden for the World Junior Championships in late December. While wearing the 'C' for his native country he was having a great tournament, earning a silver medal for the second straight year. However, upon arriving home it was announced he had a hurt shoulder and never really found his groove again. He's playing on the Monarchs top line this season, along side Loktionov and Bud Holloway. Terry Murray told me (in an article here) he just doesn't see him having a spot on the Kings this year. However, that was before Teddy Purcell began his disappearing act, so...who knows.
His linemate, Holloway, played half of last season here in SoCal, splitting time between the Monarchs and the Ontario Reign. Ditto for goalie Jeff Zatkoff. With an injury to Bernier a few weeks ago, Zatkoff saw some additional playing time; as he is primarily the back up to JB this season.
If you're bored, click here to see how Kings whipping boy John Zeiler is doing this year in Manch.
There have been plenty of injuries to go around, as is par for the course in the game of hockey. Trevor Lewis injured his right shoulder soon after arriving back in Manchester, following his early season stint with the Kings. Richard Clune, who many thought would start the year in LA, seems to have been battling one injury or another all year. And Justin Azevedo has also missed a few games lately too.
Which brings us to Kevin Westgarth. Given the ineffective play of Ivanans for the Kings this year, I'm still not sure why Westie hasn't been called up yet. He has the physical part of the game like Ivanans, while also bringing much, much more energy to the ice. Back in September (in an article here) I talked with Kings GM Dean Lombardi about the possibility of having both Westgarth and Ivanans in the Kings line-up for certain games. Dean said he was "tired of the Kings getting pushed around the last few years - especially against the Ducks." With the two teams meeting for the first time next week, is his evil dream about to become a reality?
That's life on the farm. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Manchester is currently tied for the Eastern Conference lead, with 27 points. Their 12 wins in 21 games is second best to the Hershey Bears - who have won 13 in just 19 games. Hershey seems to be picking up right where they left off, winning last season's AHL championship (the Calder Cup). Washington Capitals first round draft pick John Carlson was playing for the Bears until recently, when the rookie defenseman was called up to the NHL. Meanwhile, the Monarchs have had their own rookie to feel good about, 2008's fifth round selection by the Kings, Andrei Loktionov.
You may remember that name from back in September. He had a superb rookie camp and I wrote about him multiple times, in articles HERE and HERE (click them and read up!). The 19 year old is off to a fast start in Manchester, with 17 points in 20 games while maintaining a plus 6 rating. Prior to this season he played with the Windsor Spitfires of the OHL. In just 51 regular season games he had 66 points and was a plus 28 last year. He didn't lose any ground in the playoffs either, tallying 33 points (tops for OHL rookies) in 20 playoff games - helping Windsor to win the Memorial Cup Championship. This kid is no joke, having played in the Russian Super League during the 2007-08 season and for Team Russia at the 2008 Under-18 World Championships. Earlier today he got 'the call' and is currently packing his bags to join the Kings for their two game Canadian road trip starting Wednesday in Edmonton.
Also called up to the big club today was Brandon "Bugsy" Segal. It will be interesting to see what type of game the right winger adds to the Kings team. Plenty of organizations have certainly given up on him to a certain degree. After originally being drafted by the Nashville Predators in the fourth-round back in 2002, he's spent time in the Anaheim Ducks and Tampa Bay Lightning organizations. Back in July he was picked up by Dean, Hex and the gang after having a brief taste of the NHL last year - debuting in a March contest between the Lightning and Penguins.
Casual LA fans are probably most familiar with goaltender Jonathan Bernier and defenseman Thomas Hickey. If nothing else, you've heard their names. Both are former first round draft picks and guys the Kings are betting big on in the coming years. Bernier has been playing lights out hockey almost all year for the Monarchs. However, he isn't expected to get a call up anytime soon. The team has given the reigns to Quick in LA and wants Bernier to get one more year of seasoning in the minors.
Another name you might recognize is Oscar Moller. The 5'10" center played his way on to the team coming out of camp last season. He played decently for the first few months and then was lent to Team Sweden for the World Junior Championships in late December. While wearing the 'C' for his native country he was having a great tournament, earning a silver medal for the second straight year. However, upon arriving home it was announced he had a hurt shoulder and never really found his groove again. He's playing on the Monarchs top line this season, along side Loktionov and Bud Holloway. Terry Murray told me (in an article here) he just doesn't see him having a spot on the Kings this year. However, that was before Teddy Purcell began his disappearing act, so...who knows.
His linemate, Holloway, played half of last season here in SoCal, splitting time between the Monarchs and the Ontario Reign. Ditto for goalie Jeff Zatkoff. With an injury to Bernier a few weeks ago, Zatkoff saw some additional playing time; as he is primarily the back up to JB this season.
If you're bored, click here to see how Kings whipping boy John Zeiler is doing this year in Manch.
There have been plenty of injuries to go around, as is par for the course in the game of hockey. Trevor Lewis injured his right shoulder soon after arriving back in Manchester, following his early season stint with the Kings. Richard Clune, who many thought would start the year in LA, seems to have been battling one injury or another all year. And Justin Azevedo has also missed a few games lately too.
Which brings us to Kevin Westgarth. Given the ineffective play of Ivanans for the Kings this year, I'm still not sure why Westie hasn't been called up yet. He has the physical part of the game like Ivanans, while also bringing much, much more energy to the ice. Back in September (in an article here) I talked with Kings GM Dean Lombardi about the possibility of having both Westgarth and Ivanans in the Kings line-up for certain games. Dean said he was "tired of the Kings getting pushed around the last few years - especially against the Ducks." With the two teams meeting for the first time next week, is his evil dream about to become a reality?
That's life on the farm. Now back to your regularly scheduled program.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Revisiting a Rivalry - Flames vs. Kings
For fans that have only been following the Kings since their move downtown to Staples Center, today's game doesn't mean much. It's just one of those annoying Saturday afternoon games. For long time fans, a game versus the Flames stirs emotions from nearly 20 years ago when Calgary vs Los Angeles was a game that everybody circled on their calendar.
After the Kings traded for Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games. Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off their first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Oilers, in 7 games. Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. It's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
The Kings went on to win the Smythe Division in 1990-91 and then made their own run to the Cup finals in '92-93. Along the way there were plenty of other memorable games vs the Flames, with lots of penalties...and some fines and suspensions too. There was the game where the penalty boxes were so full that Sandstorm had to sit on Luc's lap. In March of '91 Kings coach Tom Webster was suspended 4 games for an altercation with the Flames' Doug Gilmour. But, he was just getting warmed up. The following season Webster was suspended again, this time for 12 games, and fined $10k for throwing a stick at referee Kerry Fraser.
Then, there were the players. Long before there was ever a Sean Avery, there was the original pest - a diminutive man in height with a heart and drive like no other. Theo Fleury was the guy that everybody loved to hate. And then hate some more. If you went to those games at the Forum, you have to remember the lady that sat near the penalty box with her cowbell. If only she could have suited up for a game or two.
Today the Flames arrive in town with two of the best defenseman in the league - Jay Bouwmeester and Dion Phaneuf. That's a blue line tandem the likes of which the Kings hope to repeat themselves in a few years with Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty.
Lastly, let's not forget Olli Jokinen. In 1997 he was the Kings first round draft pick and supposedly the future of the franchise. Just two years later - with the Kings about to move into Staples Center - he was sent packing for Ziggy Palffy. At the trade deadline last year Jokinen was again on the move, this time from Phoenix to Calgary.
Plenty of memories between two teams that are searching for a return to the playoffs this season. Perhaps come Spring, they'll meet again.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
After the Kings traded for Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games. Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off their first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Oilers, in 7 games. Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. It's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
The Kings went on to win the Smythe Division in 1990-91 and then made their own run to the Cup finals in '92-93. Along the way there were plenty of other memorable games vs the Flames, with lots of penalties...and some fines and suspensions too. There was the game where the penalty boxes were so full that Sandstorm had to sit on Luc's lap. In March of '91 Kings coach Tom Webster was suspended 4 games for an altercation with the Flames' Doug Gilmour. But, he was just getting warmed up. The following season Webster was suspended again, this time for 12 games, and fined $10k for throwing a stick at referee Kerry Fraser.
Then, there were the players. Long before there was ever a Sean Avery, there was the original pest - a diminutive man in height with a heart and drive like no other. Theo Fleury was the guy that everybody loved to hate. And then hate some more. If you went to those games at the Forum, you have to remember the lady that sat near the penalty box with her cowbell. If only she could have suited up for a game or two.
Today the Flames arrive in town with two of the best defenseman in the league - Jay Bouwmeester and Dion Phaneuf. That's a blue line tandem the likes of which the Kings hope to repeat themselves in a few years with Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty.
Lastly, let's not forget Olli Jokinen. In 1997 he was the Kings first round draft pick and supposedly the future of the franchise. Just two years later - with the Kings about to move into Staples Center - he was sent packing for Ziggy Palffy. At the trade deadline last year Jokinen was again on the move, this time from Phoenix to Calgary.
Plenty of memories between two teams that are searching for a return to the playoffs this season. Perhaps come Spring, they'll meet again.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hextall on NHL Live
Kings Vice Presidnet and Assistant General Manager Ron Hextall joined NHL Live hosts EJ Hradek and Deb Placey for about 15 minutes this morning. Given all the jokes about the Kings becoming the Flyers West (see yesterday's article), it was a little comical when they introduced him as an executive of the Flyers. Oops!
Below are the other highlights:
* Dave Tippett told EJ that Hex liked to talk during the games, sometimes even announcing the game while in goal. Ron said he tried to talk to his forwards and defenseman as much as possible. They always use to say 'make ears eyes'. Any advantage you can get you want to use it.
* At the recent GM meetings there was a lot of talk about goaltenders playing the puck and the area they can move around in. Ron said: "I don't prefer the trapezoid. However, it's a happy medium to not letting goalies play the puck at all. The idea is to create the forecheck. Yet, it exposes your defenseman against hard hits. So, there are two things I dont like about it - no interference, plus the trapezoid where the goalie cant go out and move it in the corners. I'm also not sold that it creates the forecheck. Smart dump ins by players are underrated. I'm not sure coaches stress them enough. Cross corner dumps or soft dumps, I'm not sure players do it right. I would take it out if given a vote, but it wouldn't be one of the first issues I would go after."
* Re: Jonathan Quick - He's very athletic, a good kid. We fast tracked him last year and he did a good job for us. This year he has been inconsistent. He's played a lot of games this year and will continue to do so. He's our guy. He has a chance to be a top 10 goalie, we're very excited about him.
* Re: Frolov - We want to see more urgency in his game, he needs to step it up. On a lot of nights we want to see more from him. He's a very good hockey player, could be great if he'd improve his consistency. We've made no secret about wanting more from him.
* You scored a goal against the Bruins and you used to play for the Flyers. Any thoughts on the Winter Classic? Well, not a lot has changed; both are big strong physical teams. The guts of the organization haven't changed and the identity of the teams haven't changed. Quite frankly, that's the kind of team I prefer. I think that's how you win and go far in the playoffs, with teams like that. It's going to be a great game.
* How about the Kings in a Winter Classic? That would be great. They was an outdoor game in Vegas many years ago with the Kings. (note: I wonder if he knew the NHL Network is replaying that game several times next weekend, nice plug Ron)
* Talk about the battle for positioning in the Western Conference: It's going to a battle all the way to the end for sure. You see teams like Vancouver, Nashville - even St Louis, Edmonton - you expect them to pick it up beyond even where they've been so far. It's going to be a battle all the way to the end. Even Anaheim will get it going at some point and they'll be in the mix. That whole theory of the playoffs starting the first day of the season, I'm not so sure it's not true anymore.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Below are the other highlights:
* Dave Tippett told EJ that Hex liked to talk during the games, sometimes even announcing the game while in goal. Ron said he tried to talk to his forwards and defenseman as much as possible. They always use to say 'make ears eyes'. Any advantage you can get you want to use it.
* At the recent GM meetings there was a lot of talk about goaltenders playing the puck and the area they can move around in. Ron said: "I don't prefer the trapezoid. However, it's a happy medium to not letting goalies play the puck at all. The idea is to create the forecheck. Yet, it exposes your defenseman against hard hits. So, there are two things I dont like about it - no interference, plus the trapezoid where the goalie cant go out and move it in the corners. I'm also not sold that it creates the forecheck. Smart dump ins by players are underrated. I'm not sure coaches stress them enough. Cross corner dumps or soft dumps, I'm not sure players do it right. I would take it out if given a vote, but it wouldn't be one of the first issues I would go after."
* Re: Jonathan Quick - He's very athletic, a good kid. We fast tracked him last year and he did a good job for us. This year he has been inconsistent. He's played a lot of games this year and will continue to do so. He's our guy. He has a chance to be a top 10 goalie, we're very excited about him.
* Re: Frolov - We want to see more urgency in his game, he needs to step it up. On a lot of nights we want to see more from him. He's a very good hockey player, could be great if he'd improve his consistency. We've made no secret about wanting more from him.
* You scored a goal against the Bruins and you used to play for the Flyers. Any thoughts on the Winter Classic? Well, not a lot has changed; both are big strong physical teams. The guts of the organization haven't changed and the identity of the teams haven't changed. Quite frankly, that's the kind of team I prefer. I think that's how you win and go far in the playoffs, with teams like that. It's going to be a great game.
* How about the Kings in a Winter Classic? That would be great. They was an outdoor game in Vegas many years ago with the Kings. (note: I wonder if he knew the NHL Network is replaying that game several times next weekend, nice plug Ron)
* Talk about the battle for positioning in the Western Conference: It's going to a battle all the way to the end for sure. You see teams like Vancouver, Nashville - even St Louis, Edmonton - you expect them to pick it up beyond even where they've been so far. It's going to be a battle all the way to the end. Even Anaheim will get it going at some point and they'll be in the mix. That whole theory of the playoffs starting the first day of the season, I'm not so sure it's not true anymore.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Philly East vs Philly West?
In the early 90s the big joke was how the Kings had become Edmonton-South. Of course you had Gretzky; but then came Kurri, Coffey and a gang of others. Heck, Grant Fuhr even stopped by for a cup of coffee.
More recently the jokes have turned into Philadelphia-West given CM Dean Lombardi and coach Terry Murray's links to their former team. So with the Flyers in town tonight to take on the Kings this is another of those "big games" early in the season.
Here are seven things you should know before the puck drops at 7:30...
* Dieter Ruehle is doing the National Anthem. I'm not sure if they couldn't find a singer for tonight or they just wanted to push his name out there to remind long time fans of the Fabulous Forum days. Either way, sounds good.
* The Kings and Flyers have been rumored to be trade partners a few times in recent months - and for good reason. Yet, if there was any type of player swap to occur this season the one guy that sure would be PERFECT for the Kings is Scott Hartnell. There aren't too many guys like him in the league.
* On paper, these are two pretty evenly matched teams. When scoring first Philly is 11-2-1, the Kings are 10-2-2. When leading after two periods the Flyers are 10-0-1, the Kings 8-0-0. In OT the Flyers are 3-1, the Kings 3-2. In November the Flyers are 5-1-0 (10 points), the Kings are 5-3-0 (10 points).
* You want balance - look at the Flyers shot totals by period: First 189, Second 183, Third 188. LA continues to take the majority of their shots in the second, their fewest in the third.
* The difference in this game will likely be the power play. The Kings PK has been dismal this year to say the least. They rank 27th overall and 28th at home. Meanwhile, the Flyers power play is first overall, 9th on the road. For the Kings to win they need to stay out of the box and/or have strong kills if they take any penalties.
* With Ryan Smyth out for the next month there will be several line-up changes tonight. The Flyers will provide a big test for the revamped Kings. LA will need continued production from Kopitar, even without his linemate and BFF.
* While the Flyers are no longer the bruisers they once were, three different players each have three or more fighting majors this season. Who leads the team with six? Ian Laperriere, the former Kings fan favorite. It would be a little surprising if he dropped the gloves tonight though. He tends not to do that when playing the Kings the last few years. We shall see.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES
Interview (podcast) with Ian Laperriere
Interview with Dave 'the Hammer' Schultz - former Flyer and King
More recently the jokes have turned into Philadelphia-West given CM Dean Lombardi and coach Terry Murray's links to their former team. So with the Flyers in town tonight to take on the Kings this is another of those "big games" early in the season.
Here are seven things you should know before the puck drops at 7:30...
* Dieter Ruehle is doing the National Anthem. I'm not sure if they couldn't find a singer for tonight or they just wanted to push his name out there to remind long time fans of the Fabulous Forum days. Either way, sounds good.
* The Kings and Flyers have been rumored to be trade partners a few times in recent months - and for good reason. Yet, if there was any type of player swap to occur this season the one guy that sure would be PERFECT for the Kings is Scott Hartnell. There aren't too many guys like him in the league.
* On paper, these are two pretty evenly matched teams. When scoring first Philly is 11-2-1, the Kings are 10-2-2. When leading after two periods the Flyers are 10-0-1, the Kings 8-0-0. In OT the Flyers are 3-1, the Kings 3-2. In November the Flyers are 5-1-0 (10 points), the Kings are 5-3-0 (10 points).
* You want balance - look at the Flyers shot totals by period: First 189, Second 183, Third 188. LA continues to take the majority of their shots in the second, their fewest in the third.
* The difference in this game will likely be the power play. The Kings PK has been dismal this year to say the least. They rank 27th overall and 28th at home. Meanwhile, the Flyers power play is first overall, 9th on the road. For the Kings to win they need to stay out of the box and/or have strong kills if they take any penalties.
* With Ryan Smyth out for the next month there will be several line-up changes tonight. The Flyers will provide a big test for the revamped Kings. LA will need continued production from Kopitar, even without his linemate and BFF.* While the Flyers are no longer the bruisers they once were, three different players each have three or more fighting majors this season. Who leads the team with six? Ian Laperriere, the former Kings fan favorite. It would be a little surprising if he dropped the gloves tonight though. He tends not to do that when playing the Kings the last few years. We shall see.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES
Interview (podcast) with Ian Laperriere
Interview with Dave 'the Hammer' Schultz - former Flyer and King
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hugging the Post w/ Kelly Hrudey
Goaltending has historically been one of the weakest parts of the Los Angeles Kings. Current GM, Dean Lombardi, has often talked about the need to build a team from the net out. Hence, the organization's current focus on developing goaltenders.
After Rogie Vachon left the team in '78 it's been a revolving door of netminders for most of the past 30 years, with a few exceptions. Since the Gretzky trade in '88 Kelly Hrudey has been one of the lone bright spots in the crease. He's the guy that fans point to when asked about the last time the Kings had a great goalie.
Kelly played in LA for eight years, including the run to the Finals in '93. These days he keeps up with the NHL through his work at the CBC in Canada. We sat down with him recently to look back at his career and a few other hockey related topics...
You grew up in Edmonton and the Oilers came to town as part of the WHA when you were fairly young. Was that your team growing up?
I certainly was a fan of the Oilers. But I was a die hard fan of the Canadians and the Leafs. The NHL was the real game to me. Although the WHA was important, as it allowed me to see many games in person - I thought the real stars were the guys in the NHL.
The draft is always a special time in a player's career. Yet, the draft wasn't the big deal back then that it is now. What memories do you have?
Well we weren't a sports family, so we didn't know a lot about the draft. I was in my second year with Medicine Hat. I'd been told I might be drafted around the third round. Like you said, there was little fan fare associated with the draft. If you were a first rounder, maybe you would go. But, I was home in Edmonton, playing ball hockey downstairs with my brother when Jimmy Devellano (Islanders scout) called and said I was drafted by the Islanders in the second round. I had no idea what to expect from that point forward. It was a short call, I remember that. He had other things to do. So, when we hung up I went back downstairs and finished playing ball hockey.
I was lucky enough to go to training camp the following season. I even played in an exhibition game at old Chicago Stadium. That was certainly a thrill for me at that point. But, what I remember most was the flight home. We flew commercial and I sat in the middle, between Mike Bossy and Brian Trottier. I don't think I said one word the entire flight, I just listened.
Any other memories from that first camp?
I remember landing at LaGuardia the first time. a shuttle bus picked me up and it felt like we made 25 stops dropping other people off at their residences before I finally got to the Holiday Inn...I think it was in Hempstead. That night I was really intense, I knew I had to go take a physical for the Islanders the next day and didn't know exactly what to expect.
I also remember thinking very early on in training camp that I had a lot of work to do to make it to the NHL. There was one play, where Tom Lysiak came down the wing and scored on me. It was so easy for him he didn't even want to raise his hands and celebrate. It was more like he was embarrassed how easy it was. Things like that really showed me how far I had to go.
For Islander fans probably the greatest memory they have of you is the '87 playoff game with four overtime periods. That game, the Easter Epic, has been called by some the greatest game 7 of all time. What memories do you have of that night?
Well, in the locker room between periods we were pretty loose. There wasn't much talk about strategy. We were proud of the game we were playing and felt things were going well, even if the score was tied. We kept telling each other to relax, don't get too excited and be prepared for the first two minutes of the period and the last two minutes of the period. I remember after Pat scored I stood in the crease for what seemed like a few minutes in disbelief. I didn't want to mentally let down for fear they might say the goal was disallowed or something. It was a good 5 seconds or so until it finally set in. Then, when I went into the dressing room - you know the goaltenders weren't allowed to have water bottles back in '87 - so when I took my gear off my toes just curled under from dehydration.
Any other memories of your time on the Island?
My fondest memory is probably when Bill Torrey told me I had made the NHL. When I was a kid playing ball hockey, watching Hockey Night in Canada and all the NHL games, I never would have dreamed I had what it would take to make it the NHL.
The pivotal point in your career was the trade to LA. Can you talk about finding out you were headed to the West Coast?
Well, I have different feelings now than I did at the time, 20 years ago. I was disappointed to be traded to LA. I was like every player, I thought I was going to be drafted by a team, play there for 20 years, win championships and then retire...all with one team. Like Steve Yzerman did. It didn't work out that way for me.
But LA was exciting. It felt more like my team. In New York I had my good friend Billy Smith. In LA I felt like it was my team though. And the city was fantastic! I feel the biggest growth period of my life were the 10 years in LA. I just loved the people. Believe it or not, it reminded me a lot of western Canada where the people are so laid back. It was a great time for me on and off the ice.
The Kings won the Smythe Division in '91 with a very powerful team. How close was that group to going all the way?
I thought we were real close. We just didn't know how to win. The Oilers had so much experience and they just knew how to win. Every time we ran into those guys, it just seemed like we didn't have enough to beat them. Tom Webster coming on as our coach added a defensive element to our game. But, still, we just couldn't beat Edmonton. I really believed if we could just beat those guys we would have won a championship. We'll never know though.
In the first half of '93 Wayne was hurt, yet the team played well without him...
We knew it would be a real challenge without him. You can ask players to rise up in a situation like that, but fact is you're not as good of a team without Wayne. Everybody did pick up their game though and played to their highest level. That was very rewarding for the group. Unfortunately, soon after that was also when I went through the worst slump of my career.
You mentioned that at HockeyFest. How did you get though it?
It was late November, early December and I went on about a two month slide. It was the worst slump of my career. I made it through that dark period because of two people in my corner...and I tell them 'thank you' whenever I get a chance...Cap Raeder and Barry Melrose. I was able to play five more years in the league because of their support during that stretch.
Robb Stauber played pretty well that year. Was that adding pressure to what you were already going through?
Robb deserved to be in there. I remember when I knew I was going to be OK though. It was a game on January 28th. I played my best game in awhile. We lost to Calgary 2-1, but I felt like I was back. I had a few bad games down the stretch, but then there was a game where we beat Philly 3-1 in March. That's when I knew I was going to be OK. I wasn't 100%, but when we won I was real emotional in the locker room. I thanked all the guys for sticking with me because they could have easily given up on me.
But Robb had played so strong he deserved the action he was getting too.
When Stauber replaced you in the playoffs he won three in a row against Calgary. Did you start to worry, did it mess with your head at all after what you had been through that season?
Well we started the playoffs against Calgary. We were awesome in game one. Then, awful in game two. We lost game three, but neither team looked like world beaters. We were down 2-1 in the series. Robb played in game four and we won 2-1 to even the series. Barry stuck with Robb in games five and six; one them was like an 8-5 shootout. He won the series, so he got the start in game one against Vancouver...and rightfully so. We lost that first game. I think it was an afternoon game. Immediately following the game Barry called me into his office and told me I was going to start game two. Fortunately, we had a couple days off until game two so I had plenty of time to prepare for them.
I felt that was really when we got on track. To me that was the best series we ever played. Personally I felt that Vancouver was on the cusp of something at the time. And I guess I was right, they went to the Stanley Cup finals the next year. But at the time, that was a real test for us. The Toronto series was different. The intensity was the same, but our level of play started to drop. I think the travel was starting to get to us.
It's easy for people to heap praise on Melrose now, but what were you thinking at the time he was announced as the new coach? Here was a team that was damn close the previous two years - including winning the Smythe - and they just hired a rookie head coach. Were you nervous about that hiring?
Well, I was established in LA by that point, so I wasn't too worried. Of course, I wanted to make a good first impression on my new coach. But, I was lucky to have Cap Raeder. As time went on I think I endeared myself to Barry. The slump I mentioned took our relationship to the next level. I wish all players could have a guy like Barry around them. Like an Al Arbour. It's such a good feeling when you go home after practice or a game and that's your coach.
You've talked about the frank conversation Dean had with you during your time in San Jose. Talk about going to play for the Sharks.
I knew I was leaving LA that summer, but prior to July 1st I was unsure where I was going to end up. I hit it off with Dean right when I met him. I remember my agent calling me and saying the Sharks wanted to meet with me. The following Friday my wife Donna and I flew into SFO with our daughters. Dean and (assistant GM) Wayne Thomas were there at the airport when we landed. I knew at that moment I was signing with the Sharks. It was one thing that Dean was at the airport to pick us up. But more importantly, he had brought a bunch of Sharks memorabilia for my girls. To bring gifts for my kids, I knew that was the type of guy I wanted to play for.
The next day though when we actually had our meeting he asked me two questions that have always stayed with me. First question he asked was "Why do I want to sign a 35 year old goalie who wants to be a broadcaster?" Then he asked me "Why did the Kings trade for Grant Fuhr when they had you?" They weren't hurtful questions. He just spoke honestly and I had so much respect for him because of it.
That's why later it didn't bother me when he called me into his office and said "Kelly you look scared to play." He was right and I knew my career was about done.
Looking back on your career, you finished with 271 wins. Do you think about being so close to the magical 300 number?
No. Not at all. I don't live that way. I did as best as I could and I loved playing the game of hockey. I wasn't lackadaisical and got a ton out of my career. I approached every game the same way. I thought I was better than the other guy. That's what I told myself when I looked down at the other end of the ice.
Let's talk about the current team. Who is your favorite Kings player right now?
Dustin Brown. He's a pure hockey player and as fierce of a competitor as you'll ever find. Plus, I was real impressed with his speech at HockeyFest. At that age, to speak so clearly about that moment on the plane...and with no notes...very impressive.
From your perspective, who is the most underrated player in the game right now?
Duncan Keith in Chicago. Or coming into the season I might have said (Wojtek) Wolski of the Avs.
Here's what I look for - we're all memorized by talent...but, I look for elite thinkers. There are only five or six guys like this on each team. Kurri was like that on the Kings. He understood the game way more than most guys.
Then, how about when you were playing - who were some of the most underrated guys you played with?
Tim Watters, Charlie Huddey, Steve Konroyd, Pat Conacher, Todd Gill, Tony Granato. Those are guys that all competed every night and gave everything of their body. Todd Gill was a mediocre, skinny player but he was tough and communicated exceptionally well. Very underrated.
You mentioned valuing elite thinkers and then when listing underrated players most of those guys you rattled off have gone into coaching. Do you think there is a coincidence there?
Wow. I never thought about that. Hmm.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks Kelly. Hope to see you back in LA for more Alumni events moving forward. Best of luck with the broadcasting.
Kelly Hrudey wore #32 while minding net for the Kings. Now, LA has another goalie wearing the same number - Jonathan Quick. Perhaps, the coincidences don't stop there.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
High / Low: Hrudey on Duty - get Kelly's thoughts on the other teams in the West, plus which players he would take if starting his own NHL franchise
Interview with Robb Stauber - the man who battled Hrudey in net during the Kings '92-93 season
Interview with Rob Blake - the most controversial player in Kings history stops by MayorsManor
20 Questions with #20 - Luc stops by MayorsManor a few days before entering the Hall of Fame
Interview with Gary Shuchuk - Kings playoff hero in 1993
Reflections of a Cup - Roy, Melrose and Blake comment on the Kings vs. Canadiens
IN DEAN WE TRUST - show your support for Kings GM Dean Lombardi
.
After Rogie Vachon left the team in '78 it's been a revolving door of netminders for most of the past 30 years, with a few exceptions. Since the Gretzky trade in '88 Kelly Hrudey has been one of the lone bright spots in the crease. He's the guy that fans point to when asked about the last time the Kings had a great goalie.
Kelly played in LA for eight years, including the run to the Finals in '93. These days he keeps up with the NHL through his work at the CBC in Canada. We sat down with him recently to look back at his career and a few other hockey related topics...
You grew up in Edmonton and the Oilers came to town as part of the WHA when you were fairly young. Was that your team growing up?I certainly was a fan of the Oilers. But I was a die hard fan of the Canadians and the Leafs. The NHL was the real game to me. Although the WHA was important, as it allowed me to see many games in person - I thought the real stars were the guys in the NHL.
The draft is always a special time in a player's career. Yet, the draft wasn't the big deal back then that it is now. What memories do you have?
Well we weren't a sports family, so we didn't know a lot about the draft. I was in my second year with Medicine Hat. I'd been told I might be drafted around the third round. Like you said, there was little fan fare associated with the draft. If you were a first rounder, maybe you would go. But, I was home in Edmonton, playing ball hockey downstairs with my brother when Jimmy Devellano (Islanders scout) called and said I was drafted by the Islanders in the second round. I had no idea what to expect from that point forward. It was a short call, I remember that. He had other things to do. So, when we hung up I went back downstairs and finished playing ball hockey.
I was lucky enough to go to training camp the following season. I even played in an exhibition game at old Chicago Stadium. That was certainly a thrill for me at that point. But, what I remember most was the flight home. We flew commercial and I sat in the middle, between Mike Bossy and Brian Trottier. I don't think I said one word the entire flight, I just listened.
Any other memories from that first camp?
I remember landing at LaGuardia the first time. a shuttle bus picked me up and it felt like we made 25 stops dropping other people off at their residences before I finally got to the Holiday Inn...I think it was in Hempstead. That night I was really intense, I knew I had to go take a physical for the Islanders the next day and didn't know exactly what to expect.
I also remember thinking very early on in training camp that I had a lot of work to do to make it to the NHL. There was one play, where Tom Lysiak came down the wing and scored on me. It was so easy for him he didn't even want to raise his hands and celebrate. It was more like he was embarrassed how easy it was. Things like that really showed me how far I had to go.
For Islander fans probably the greatest memory they have of you is the '87 playoff game with four overtime periods. That game, the Easter Epic, has been called by some the greatest game 7 of all time. What memories do you have of that night?
Well, in the locker room between periods we were pretty loose. There wasn't much talk about strategy. We were proud of the game we were playing and felt things were going well, even if the score was tied. We kept telling each other to relax, don't get too excited and be prepared for the first two minutes of the period and the last two minutes of the period. I remember after Pat scored I stood in the crease for what seemed like a few minutes in disbelief. I didn't want to mentally let down for fear they might say the goal was disallowed or something. It was a good 5 seconds or so until it finally set in. Then, when I went into the dressing room - you know the goaltenders weren't allowed to have water bottles back in '87 - so when I took my gear off my toes just curled under from dehydration.
Any other memories of your time on the Island?
My fondest memory is probably when Bill Torrey told me I had made the NHL. When I was a kid playing ball hockey, watching Hockey Night in Canada and all the NHL games, I never would have dreamed I had what it would take to make it the NHL.
The pivotal point in your career was the trade to LA. Can you talk about finding out you were headed to the West Coast?
Well, I have different feelings now than I did at the time, 20 years ago. I was disappointed to be traded to LA. I was like every player, I thought I was going to be drafted by a team, play there for 20 years, win championships and then retire...all with one team. Like Steve Yzerman did. It didn't work out that way for me.
But LA was exciting. It felt more like my team. In New York I had my good friend Billy Smith. In LA I felt like it was my team though. And the city was fantastic! I feel the biggest growth period of my life were the 10 years in LA. I just loved the people. Believe it or not, it reminded me a lot of western Canada where the people are so laid back. It was a great time for me on and off the ice.
The Kings won the Smythe Division in '91 with a very powerful team. How close was that group to going all the way?
I thought we were real close. We just didn't know how to win. The Oilers had so much experience and they just knew how to win. Every time we ran into those guys, it just seemed like we didn't have enough to beat them. Tom Webster coming on as our coach added a defensive element to our game. But, still, we just couldn't beat Edmonton. I really believed if we could just beat those guys we would have won a championship. We'll never know though.
In the first half of '93 Wayne was hurt, yet the team played well without him...
We knew it would be a real challenge without him. You can ask players to rise up in a situation like that, but fact is you're not as good of a team without Wayne. Everybody did pick up their game though and played to their highest level. That was very rewarding for the group. Unfortunately, soon after that was also when I went through the worst slump of my career.
You mentioned that at HockeyFest. How did you get though it?
It was late November, early December and I went on about a two month slide. It was the worst slump of my career. I made it through that dark period because of two people in my corner...and I tell them 'thank you' whenever I get a chance...Cap Raeder and Barry Melrose. I was able to play five more years in the league because of their support during that stretch.
Robb Stauber played pretty well that year. Was that adding pressure to what you were already going through?
Robb deserved to be in there. I remember when I knew I was going to be OK though. It was a game on January 28th. I played my best game in awhile. We lost to Calgary 2-1, but I felt like I was back. I had a few bad games down the stretch, but then there was a game where we beat Philly 3-1 in March. That's when I knew I was going to be OK. I wasn't 100%, but when we won I was real emotional in the locker room. I thanked all the guys for sticking with me because they could have easily given up on me.
But Robb had played so strong he deserved the action he was getting too.
When Stauber replaced you in the playoffs he won three in a row against Calgary. Did you start to worry, did it mess with your head at all after what you had been through that season?
Well we started the playoffs against Calgary. We were awesome in game one. Then, awful in game two. We lost game three, but neither team looked like world beaters. We were down 2-1 in the series. Robb played in game four and we won 2-1 to even the series. Barry stuck with Robb in games five and six; one them was like an 8-5 shootout. He won the series, so he got the start in game one against Vancouver...and rightfully so. We lost that first game. I think it was an afternoon game. Immediately following the game Barry called me into his office and told me I was going to start game two. Fortunately, we had a couple days off until game two so I had plenty of time to prepare for them.
I felt that was really when we got on track. To me that was the best series we ever played. Personally I felt that Vancouver was on the cusp of something at the time. And I guess I was right, they went to the Stanley Cup finals the next year. But at the time, that was a real test for us. The Toronto series was different. The intensity was the same, but our level of play started to drop. I think the travel was starting to get to us.
It's easy for people to heap praise on Melrose now, but what were you thinking at the time he was announced as the new coach? Here was a team that was damn close the previous two years - including winning the Smythe - and they just hired a rookie head coach. Were you nervous about that hiring?
Well, I was established in LA by that point, so I wasn't too worried. Of course, I wanted to make a good first impression on my new coach. But, I was lucky to have Cap Raeder. As time went on I think I endeared myself to Barry. The slump I mentioned took our relationship to the next level. I wish all players could have a guy like Barry around them. Like an Al Arbour. It's such a good feeling when you go home after practice or a game and that's your coach.
You've talked about the frank conversation Dean had with you during your time in San Jose. Talk about going to play for the Sharks.
I knew I was leaving LA that summer, but prior to July 1st I was unsure where I was going to end up. I hit it off with Dean right when I met him. I remember my agent calling me and saying the Sharks wanted to meet with me. The following Friday my wife Donna and I flew into SFO with our daughters. Dean and (assistant GM) Wayne Thomas were there at the airport when we landed. I knew at that moment I was signing with the Sharks. It was one thing that Dean was at the airport to pick us up. But more importantly, he had brought a bunch of Sharks memorabilia for my girls. To bring gifts for my kids, I knew that was the type of guy I wanted to play for.
The next day though when we actually had our meeting he asked me two questions that have always stayed with me. First question he asked was "Why do I want to sign a 35 year old goalie who wants to be a broadcaster?" Then he asked me "Why did the Kings trade for Grant Fuhr when they had you?" They weren't hurtful questions. He just spoke honestly and I had so much respect for him because of it.
That's why later it didn't bother me when he called me into his office and said "Kelly you look scared to play." He was right and I knew my career was about done.
Looking back on your career, you finished with 271 wins. Do you think about being so close to the magical 300 number?
No. Not at all. I don't live that way. I did as best as I could and I loved playing the game of hockey. I wasn't lackadaisical and got a ton out of my career. I approached every game the same way. I thought I was better than the other guy. That's what I told myself when I looked down at the other end of the ice.
Let's talk about the current team. Who is your favorite Kings player right now?
Dustin Brown. He's a pure hockey player and as fierce of a competitor as you'll ever find. Plus, I was real impressed with his speech at HockeyFest. At that age, to speak so clearly about that moment on the plane...and with no notes...very impressive.
From your perspective, who is the most underrated player in the game right now?
Duncan Keith in Chicago. Or coming into the season I might have said (Wojtek) Wolski of the Avs.
Here's what I look for - we're all memorized by talent...but, I look for elite thinkers. There are only five or six guys like this on each team. Kurri was like that on the Kings. He understood the game way more than most guys.
Then, how about when you were playing - who were some of the most underrated guys you played with?
Tim Watters, Charlie Huddey, Steve Konroyd, Pat Conacher, Todd Gill, Tony Granato. Those are guys that all competed every night and gave everything of their body. Todd Gill was a mediocre, skinny player but he was tough and communicated exceptionally well. Very underrated.
You mentioned valuing elite thinkers and then when listing underrated players most of those guys you rattled off have gone into coaching. Do you think there is a coincidence there?
Wow. I never thought about that. Hmm.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks Kelly. Hope to see you back in LA for more Alumni events moving forward. Best of luck with the broadcasting.
Kelly Hrudey wore #32 while minding net for the Kings. Now, LA has another goalie wearing the same number - Jonathan Quick. Perhaps, the coincidences don't stop there.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
High / Low: Hrudey on Duty - get Kelly's thoughts on the other teams in the West, plus which players he would take if starting his own NHL franchise
Interview with Robb Stauber - the man who battled Hrudey in net during the Kings '92-93 season
Interview with Rob Blake - the most controversial player in Kings history stops by MayorsManor
20 Questions with #20 - Luc stops by MayorsManor a few days before entering the Hall of Fame
Interview with Gary Shuchuk - Kings playoff hero in 1993
Reflections of a Cup - Roy, Melrose and Blake comment on the Kings vs. Canadiens
IN DEAN WE TRUST - show your support for Kings GM Dean Lombardi
.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Trying to Make a Point
Do the Kings have what it takes to finally make their return to the playoffs this season? The coaches talk about getting more offense. Some fans talk about getting better goaltending. Others talk about it taking a trade for this or that. However, the bottom line is it's only going to take one thing - points. It doesn't matter how the Kings get them. A 2-1 win get you the same two points as an 8-0 blowout. Losing a game by a goal hurts just as much as that shellacking the Kings took in Hotlanta the other night. Two points is two points. And even one point is...well, a point.
After Friday night the Kings had played 20 games. Earlier this season, in an article published HERE, we looked at how the Kings can reach the postseason and breaking down the season into eight 10-game sections. For each 10 game chunk of the season the Kings needed to average 11 points. After the first 10 games they had 12 points. After Friday's game #20 the Kings had accumulated 24 points.
So, overall, a little ahead of the pace needed.
Can they keep that up for the next 10 games? Again, just take it 10 games at a time - no need to get ahead of ourselves. Let's look at the game log:
Game 21 - at Tampa Bay: 2 points earned in a shootout win
Game 22 - at Florida:
Game 23 - home vs Philly:
Game 24 - home vs Calgary:
Game 25 - at Edmonton:
Game 26 - at Vancouver:
Game 27 - home vs Chicago:
Game 28 - at Anaheim
Game 29 - home vs Ottawa:
Game 30 - home vs St Louis:
Pretty balanced, with five games at home and five on the road. With one game at Anaheim, that's a lot of home cooking. Philly and Calgary will probably be two of the toughest games in this stretch.
The scariest game? Anaheim. As predicted in our season preview article (click here), the Ducks aren't the same team as in year's past. Yet, somehow these two always play each other tough. So, which ever squad gets two points that night will probably earn them in a dogfight.
The most important game? There's four. After just raw points, one of the other ways teams make the playoffs is by beating the teams in their own conference. Four games in this stretch (Edmonton, Vancouver, Anaheim and St Louis) are all currently below the Kings in the standings. That makes those four games the most important. Win those and it widens the gap, creating a separation that becomes very important in March and April.
Yes, the Kings are going to need continued solid production from the top line. Yes, the Kings need Brown's line to be more consistent. Yes, Frolov's line needs to score more goals. Yes, the fourth line needs to do something. Anything! Yes, the defense needs to play 60 minutes a night. And yes, Quick needs to play better some nights. But, you know what? The Kings have been getting it done so far, both after 10 games - then, again after 20 games.
Stanley Cups aren't won in November...or even December. However, the two points you earn at this time of the year count the same as the two points you can earn after the All Star break. For now, the Kings need to just keep averaging 11 points or more for each 10 game section of the schedule and the return to the second season will come soon enough.
After all, isn't that why we're all here? Which reminds me, where's my t-shirt?
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
After Friday night the Kings had played 20 games. Earlier this season, in an article published HERE, we looked at how the Kings can reach the postseason and breaking down the season into eight 10-game sections. For each 10 game chunk of the season the Kings needed to average 11 points. After the first 10 games they had 12 points. After Friday's game #20 the Kings had accumulated 24 points.
So, overall, a little ahead of the pace needed.
Can they keep that up for the next 10 games? Again, just take it 10 games at a time - no need to get ahead of ourselves. Let's look at the game log:
Game 21 - at Tampa Bay: 2 points earned in a shootout win
Game 22 - at Florida:
Game 23 - home vs Philly:
Game 24 - home vs Calgary:
Game 25 - at Edmonton:
Game 26 - at Vancouver:
Game 27 - home vs Chicago:
Game 28 - at Anaheim
Game 29 - home vs Ottawa:
Game 30 - home vs St Louis:
Pretty balanced, with five games at home and five on the road. With one game at Anaheim, that's a lot of home cooking. Philly and Calgary will probably be two of the toughest games in this stretch.
The scariest game? Anaheim. As predicted in our season preview article (click here), the Ducks aren't the same team as in year's past. Yet, somehow these two always play each other tough. So, which ever squad gets two points that night will probably earn them in a dogfight.
The most important game? There's four. After just raw points, one of the other ways teams make the playoffs is by beating the teams in their own conference. Four games in this stretch (Edmonton, Vancouver, Anaheim and St Louis) are all currently below the Kings in the standings. That makes those four games the most important. Win those and it widens the gap, creating a separation that becomes very important in March and April.
Yes, the Kings are going to need continued solid production from the top line. Yes, the Kings need Brown's line to be more consistent. Yes, Frolov's line needs to score more goals. Yes, the fourth line needs to do something. Anything! Yes, the defense needs to play 60 minutes a night. And yes, Quick needs to play better some nights. But, you know what? The Kings have been getting it done so far, both after 10 games - then, again after 20 games.
Stanley Cups aren't won in November...or even December. However, the two points you earn at this time of the year count the same as the two points you can earn after the All Star break. For now, the Kings need to just keep averaging 11 points or more for each 10 game section of the schedule and the return to the second season will come soon enough. After all, isn't that why we're all here? Which reminds me, where's my t-shirt?
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
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