After the LA Kings had their traditional game day skate in Calgary today, several players - including Jack Johnson and Colin Fraser - spoke with the local media and answered questions about coach Darryl Sutter.
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP (plus notes on Mike Cammalleri and some Sutterisms)
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Alec Martinez loves Sutter, even when he scratches him
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| Defenseman Alec Martinez (photo by: Dinur) |
In fact, after coach Darryl Sutter took over, Martinez sat out the next six games in favor of Slava Voynov. Once the Russian rookie was injured, #27 was given a chance to play. In the next four game, Martinez posted zero points - but, appeared to be getting more involved in the offense, increasing his shot totals in each game.
He also took in stride when he was swapped with Voynov for the Kings last game, Thursday's home contest vs. the Dallas Stars.
"It was a coach's decision," Martinez explained. "He told me he wanted to get a righty in there, for that righty-lefty combo. So, I've just been getting extra work in (after practice) and I'll keep working hard so when my opportunity comes back, then I'll be ready."
The former University of Miami (Ohio) standout, also like his new coach's approach to managing the team - "He's good on the bench. He shoots it to you straight. If you make a good play, he'll tell you. If you don't, he'll tell you too. Personally, I like it that way. I think a lot of guys do."
Friday, January 13, 2012
Kings coach Darryl Sutter wants to know 'What is history?'
LA Kings forward Mike Richards wasn't the only one with a lot to say prior to the Kings leaving for Calgary today. Coach Darryl Sutter shared thoughts on Anze Kopitar's health, the instigator rule, his return to Calgary, the Kings schedule and much more.
For you soundbite readers, here's a taste of the three-word Sutterisms - 'going to live' (status of Kopitar), 'moved past it' (his return to Calgary), 'What is history?' (Calgary's record at home). His full quotes were as follows...
On Kopitar - "It appears he’s going to live. Going to pull through...He was fine last night. I try to be as honest as I can without disclosure, right? I said he was fine. It’s a good hit, a hard hit. Nothing wrong with it...Assuming we had practice today, he would have practiced."
On the instigator penalty assessed to Richards after his scrap with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow (video linked below) - "It's sort of a funny rule, right? One penalty that you still deem as a good penalty is protecting your teammates, and with that heavyweight thing going away in the league, guys with heart and character are guys that have always protected their teammates. Without saying it’s grandfathered in, there’s not too many kids coming out that don’t wear visors, right? It may be a rule that’s gone past its time, sort of. It’s probably something that they should look at when you think about it."
On what the NHL should do about the rule - "You know what, I’ve been all over with it in the few years… the way the fighting part of it has changed, the intimidation part of it has changed in the game, really I don’t even know where I stand in it anymore. I think it’s more of a case-to-case thing with me."
For you soundbite readers, here's a taste of the three-word Sutterisms - 'going to live' (status of Kopitar), 'moved past it' (his return to Calgary), 'What is history?' (Calgary's record at home). His full quotes were as follows...
On Kopitar - "It appears he’s going to live. Going to pull through...He was fine last night. I try to be as honest as I can without disclosure, right? I said he was fine. It’s a good hit, a hard hit. Nothing wrong with it...Assuming we had practice today, he would have practiced."
On the instigator penalty assessed to Richards after his scrap with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow (video linked below) - "It's sort of a funny rule, right? One penalty that you still deem as a good penalty is protecting your teammates, and with that heavyweight thing going away in the league, guys with heart and character are guys that have always protected their teammates. Without saying it’s grandfathered in, there’s not too many kids coming out that don’t wear visors, right? It may be a rule that’s gone past its time, sort of. It’s probably something that they should look at when you think about it."
On what the NHL should do about the rule - "You know what, I’ve been all over with it in the few years… the way the fighting part of it has changed, the intimidation part of it has changed in the game, really I don’t even know where I stand in it anymore. I think it’s more of a case-to-case thing with me."
Richards - plenty to say about NHL rules, Morrow, Kopitar
After the game last night, Kings forward Mike Richards wasn't happy with the instigator penalty he was assigned in his fight with Stars' captain Brenden Morrow.
Prior to the Kings boarding a plane for Calgary, he had a chance to speak about the entire incident at the Kings training facility in El Segundo...
On the overall situation - "I think the most frustrating thing is if the NHL is trying to get us to wear visors, and then we get penalized for fighting with them on. I think it kind of defeats the purpose...You hear all the speculation of having the set fights and fighting in the moment and things like that, but then when you do fight in the moment, you get penalized for it because you had a visor on. I don’t really understand the whole thing about visors, and if they want people to wear them or not. It just seems like every day something new."
On similar situations in the past - "I can’t remember ever getting an instigator on plays like that. Usually it’s a two minute roughing or something like that, but the refs are there to call what they see. They made the right calls, I mean you can’t argue with that, but I just think it’s a dumb rule in place."
On Kopitar being hit by Morrow moments prior - "I was obviously scared for Kopi and you never like to see a player like that. Even though it was a shoulder to shoulder hit, it was a dangerous play and it’s good to see that he’s healthy and doing well. Like I said, it was just one of those in the moment things. If you’re going to get penalized for sticking up for your teammates, it’s a tough message to send around the league."
Prior to the Kings boarding a plane for Calgary, he had a chance to speak about the entire incident at the Kings training facility in El Segundo...
On the overall situation - "I think the most frustrating thing is if the NHL is trying to get us to wear visors, and then we get penalized for fighting with them on. I think it kind of defeats the purpose...You hear all the speculation of having the set fights and fighting in the moment and things like that, but then when you do fight in the moment, you get penalized for it because you had a visor on. I don’t really understand the whole thing about visors, and if they want people to wear them or not. It just seems like every day something new."
On similar situations in the past - "I can’t remember ever getting an instigator on plays like that. Usually it’s a two minute roughing or something like that, but the refs are there to call what they see. They made the right calls, I mean you can’t argue with that, but I just think it’s a dumb rule in place."
On Kopitar being hit by Morrow moments prior - "I was obviously scared for Kopi and you never like to see a player like that. Even though it was a shoulder to shoulder hit, it was a dangerous play and it’s good to see that he’s healthy and doing well. Like I said, it was just one of those in the moment things. If you’re going to get penalized for sticking up for your teammates, it’s a tough message to send around the league."
Quotes from the Stars locker room after def LA 5-4 in SO
Another Kings-Stars game and they needed more than 60 minutes to decide things. Big surprise. Among the things these two teams have become known for over the last few years would be close games, usually decided by just one goal, and wild comebacks by either side.
Last night featured both. The Stars went up 2-0 before the Kings began chipping away at things - even doing the unthinkable, scoring multiple goals on the power play. In the end, LA gave up a late goal to Dallas, tying things at 4-4. Overtime, nothing. Then, the Stars won in the shootout.
When things were over, here's what they were saying back in the visiting team dressing room...
Coach Glen Gulutzan on the overall game - "They are a real good team and I’m a big fan of Darryl Sutter—six years in Las Vegas and you can certainly see his influence on that team. I thought it was a tremendous hockey game tonight, maybe not for the coaches but for the fans. It was real exciting; it was fast I thought through 65 full minutes, so it was a real good game."
Gulatzan on Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar (video below) - "We watched it in slow motion there and we watched it again. In my mind it was a clean hit but he fell very awkward. I hope he’s okay. I don’t know the extent on anything there but he fell awkwardly into the boards. I don’t think anything will come of it but that’s for the League to decide. Hopefully he is okay. [Kari Lehtonen] was hurt too in that goal mouth pile up there but he is going to be fine."
Last night featured both. The Stars went up 2-0 before the Kings began chipping away at things - even doing the unthinkable, scoring multiple goals on the power play. In the end, LA gave up a late goal to Dallas, tying things at 4-4. Overtime, nothing. Then, the Stars won in the shootout.
When things were over, here's what they were saying back in the visiting team dressing room...
Coach Glen Gulutzan on the overall game - "They are a real good team and I’m a big fan of Darryl Sutter—six years in Las Vegas and you can certainly see his influence on that team. I thought it was a tremendous hockey game tonight, maybe not for the coaches but for the fans. It was real exciting; it was fast I thought through 65 full minutes, so it was a real good game."
Gulatzan on Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar (video below) - "We watched it in slow motion there and we watched it again. In my mind it was a clean hit but he fell very awkward. I hope he’s okay. I don’t know the extent on anything there but he fell awkwardly into the boards. I don’t think anything will come of it but that’s for the League to decide. Hopefully he is okay. [Kari Lehtonen] was hurt too in that goal mouth pile up there but he is going to be fine."
VIDEO: Brenden Morrow's hit on Anze Kopitar
At the 12:12 mark of the third period - with the LA Kings leading by a goal - Stars' captain Brenden Morrow put a hit on Anze Kopitar as he was trying to come from behind the net and possibly wrap around the goaltender.
Kopitar did not return to the game, due to something coach Darryl Sutter described as 'a bloody nose' during his post game presser. Mike Richards went after Morrow and ended up receiving enough penalties to put the Stars on a four minute power play. Dallas scored, ruining the Kings extended penalty kill success of late. And, more importantly, it was the goal they needed to push the game into overtime.
The question of the hour is was the hit legal? Take a look...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
Kopitar did not return to the game, due to something coach Darryl Sutter described as 'a bloody nose' during his post game presser. Mike Richards went after Morrow and ended up receiving enough penalties to put the Stars on a four minute power play. Dallas scored, ruining the Kings extended penalty kill success of late. And, more importantly, it was the goal they needed to push the game into overtime.
The question of the hour is was the hit legal? Take a look...
VIDEO AFTER THE JUMP
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Kings lead, but lose to Stars - still 'love each other' though
The LA Kings spotted the Dallas Stars a two goal lead in the first period, trailed 3-2 after forty minutes, then managed to lose a 4-3 lead with less than six minutes in regulation. In the end, it was home ice loss via a shootout.
After the game, here's what a few of the players had to say...
Captain Dustin Brown on the overall game - "We didn’t get off to a good start. Came back, found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Like I said, Our PK was great and they found a way to get a fluke one. It takes overtime and a shootout."
Brown on the penalty calls - "Richie [Mike Richards] stepped up for Kopi and did his job. That rule [the penalty for visors] is right in the rule book. There’s no arguing on that one. There’s no arguing that or the instigator. I didn’t see it, but I’m assuming he went right after him and got the two for instigating and then the other one is automatic. We did a great job of killing it, and then it ended up in our own net. The PK was great tonight, and they ended up with a fluky goal."
Brown on battling back from being down two goals - "We didn’t get off to a good start. We came back and found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Our PK was great, and they found a way to get a fluky one. That takes it to overtime and the shootout."
After the game, here's what a few of the players had to say...
Captain Dustin Brown on the overall game - "We didn’t get off to a good start. Came back, found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Like I said, Our PK was great and they found a way to get a fluke one. It takes overtime and a shootout."
Brown on the penalty calls - "Richie [Mike Richards] stepped up for Kopi and did his job. That rule [the penalty for visors] is right in the rule book. There’s no arguing on that one. There’s no arguing that or the instigator. I didn’t see it, but I’m assuming he went right after him and got the two for instigating and then the other one is automatic. We did a great job of killing it, and then it ended up in our own net. The PK was great tonight, and they ended up with a fluky goal."
Brown on battling back from being down two goals - "We didn’t get off to a good start. We came back and found a way to get a point. We had an opportunity to get two. The shootout is what it is. Our PK was great, and they found a way to get a fluky one. That takes it to overtime and the shootout."
LA Kings GM Dean Lombardi on Penner and Pancakegate
Last night Dustin Penner offered an 'open letter' on MayorsManor to explain his side of what went down with his recent back injury and the surrounding media attention related to his eating of some 'delicious pancakes.'
That story has gone somewhat viral since, with references and links on the Edmonton Journal, Puck Daddy's Yahoo Sports blog, Canada's National Post newspaper, Spector's Hockey, Grantland, BusinessInsider.com and many more.
So, what does Kings GM Dean Lombardi think about all this? Here's what he had to say when asked just that by Mark Spector on his Edmonton-based radio show earlier today...
"When you're in this position and trying to manage your team to (become) a winner, I guess maybe it's not only the young kids that you have to put out some fires - [Lombardi was smiling and holding back laughter] there's a perfect example of all the things that can happen as you try to keep your team focused and get to where you want to go. You never know where it's coming from. But, he's made a lot of progress here and - actually - he's played pretty darn well here recently."
Funny off the ice, playing better on it. That's all well and good. Now, Penner is now looking to score some goals. Will he break through tonight? There's at least a good chance, as in the past he's told us that he gets up for playing the Stars - the team he made his NHL debut against back in 2005.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
More from Lombardi's radio interview today - apologizes to the Oilers, talks changes under Sutter
EXCLUSIVE - Open letter from Dustin Penner re: PancakeGate
Penner on the Ducks' Corey Perry 'milking it' and the Hockey Gods
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
That story has gone somewhat viral since, with references and links on the Edmonton Journal, Puck Daddy's Yahoo Sports blog, Canada's National Post newspaper, Spector's Hockey, Grantland, BusinessInsider.com and many more.
So, what does Kings GM Dean Lombardi think about all this? Here's what he had to say when asked just that by Mark Spector on his Edmonton-based radio show earlier today...
"When you're in this position and trying to manage your team to (become) a winner, I guess maybe it's not only the young kids that you have to put out some fires - [Lombardi was smiling and holding back laughter] there's a perfect example of all the things that can happen as you try to keep your team focused and get to where you want to go. You never know where it's coming from. But, he's made a lot of progress here and - actually - he's played pretty darn well here recently."
Funny off the ice, playing better on it. That's all well and good. Now, Penner is now looking to score some goals. Will he break through tonight? There's at least a good chance, as in the past he's told us that he gets up for playing the Stars - the team he made his NHL debut against back in 2005.
The Mayor
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
RELATED ARTICLES:
More from Lombardi's radio interview today - apologizes to the Oilers, talks changes under Sutter
EXCLUSIVE - Open letter from Dustin Penner re: PancakeGate
Penner on the Ducks' Corey Perry 'milking it' and the Hockey Gods
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
order here --> MayorsManor Store
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
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
www.facebook.com/MayorsManor
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
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
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
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
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'
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
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
www.twitter.com/MayorNHL
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'
ALL shirts 50% off until 2pm PST on Friday January 13, 2012 - offer code here
order here --> MayorsManor Store
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