|
|
 Kings Insider, Our resident snoop will make sure you're the first to know when the Kings are making news. Email him by CLICKING HERE. Archives January |
Updated Feb. 29 at 11:35 a.m.
Gretzky Anniversary Tomorrow
Saturday is the 20th Anniversary of Wayne Gretzky passing Gordie Howe as the NHL all-time assist leader.
Updated Feb. 28 at 4:45 p.m.
Speaking of the Avalanche/Canucks Game...
At intermission, Darwin Head of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan had a chance to win $1 million at the Avs/Canucks game that Jim Fox and Nick Nickson broadcast for Westwood One. Standing at center ice, with a stadium full of spectators, Head buried 15 goals – the exact number needed – in 24 seconds into an open net from the far blue line at General Motors Place to win $1 million in a one-time payout.
Watch the youtube video of it.
I think the Kings Insider would maybe get one or two, though I am going to practice, right now...and go to all of Daryl Evans' workshops in case this opportunity ever comes my way!
While I was looking for that video, I came across a photo gallery of Ice Girls from around the NHL...Check it out.
Updated Feb. 28 at 12:45 p.m.
He Said It
This is our very first "He Said It" entry here on the Kings Blog. Our Inaugural He Said It quote comes from Kings television color analyst Jim Fox, who along with Nick Nickson, broadcast the Colorado-Vancouver game on Thursday night via NHL Radio on Westwood One.
Fox was talking about how the trade of Matt Cooke (think Sean Avery), a feisty, checking line forward, to the Washington Capitals created some playing time for young players Mason Raymond and Ryan Shannon: "The Canucks traded away a hated player in Matt Cooke, which was good for Vancouver because it allows Matt Raymond to get more ice time, and of course, Everybody Loves Raymond."
Updated Feb. 28 at 12:15 p.m.
This Just In: Blake is Ready
Rob Blake skated this morning in Edmonton at the Kings morning skate and announced himself fit to play tonight. The Kings are expected to activate him from IR this afternoon.
Updated Feb. 27 at 10:15 a.m.
Stats Geek Checks In
Have you noticed how many Kings have set, tied or on pace to tie/break career highs in different statistical categories.
So here is a handy, dandy list:
Dustin Brown: Career-high 26 goals this season, tied his career high of 46 points (06-07).
Matt Ellis: AKA the new guy, career-high 2-4=6 in his first season as a regular.
Alexander Frolov: His 37 helpers this year are a career best.
Jeff Giuliano: Four assits this year has tied his career high set in 2005-06.
Peter Harrold: Had his first NHL goal and has two points this season, which is what he had in 2006-07's cup of coffee with the Kings.
Jack Johnson: 3-7=10 are obviously a career high.
Anze Kopitar: 27 goals are a career best, he had 20 last year.
Patrick O’Sullivan: 16-23=39 are all career highs.
Jason LaBarbera: Has a career high this year of 17 wins and a .910 SV%.
Updated Feb. 27 at 9:15 a.m.
Injury Update
As reported from practice yesterday, Kings injured defenseman Rob Blake is close to returning from injury, but most likely this weekend at Colorado, as opposed to playing at Edmonton on Wednesday. As a result, the Kings are expected to recall Jon Klemm from Manchester to take the spot vacated by D Brad Stuart.
Updated Feb. 26 at 8:15 p.m.
Draft Pick Tracker
By my calculations, LA has:
Two in Round 1
Three in Round 2
Three in Round 3
Two in Round 4
One in Round 5
Two in Round 6
Two in Round 7
Total: 15
Updated Feb. 26 at 7:35 p.m.
Lombardi Interview
While I was busy creating a podcast of Dean Lombardi's conference call on Tuesday night , 
Lombardi Trade Deadline Conference Call, the LA Daily News' Matthew Kredell transcribed the entire interview...
So if your computer has no speakers, you work in a cubicle and do not want to disturb your neighbors or you just like to read more, here are Lombardi's quotes, courtesy of Inside the Kings with Matthew Kredell:
"Whenever you are in these situations, you have to make sure to do the best you can in terms of getting in the market and talking to everybody over the last 3-4 weeks. You're satisfied in that you looked at every angle and did everything you could.
"In our situation, it's a little easier to say did the best you could because, essentially, you are not trying to make hockey deals. You are certainly not improving your team immediately. You are trying to do something for the future. It is a little easier to walk away and say you did the best you could than when you're going the other way and trying to add players or make straight hockey deals."
On the Brad Stuart trade:
"You do your best in terms of what the marketplace is there. It iss pretty much in the ballpark. It iss similar to what (Brent) Sopel brought last year. That is the kind of touchstone we set."
On piling up picks for the next draft:
"I think it is fairly well known that this, as it stands now -- no one knows for sure until 5-6 years from now -- but most hockey people look at this as a strong draft, yes. Much stronger than last year, that iss for sure. Obviously, there are some top players at the top. I think the fair terminology is that it has some depth. It is a much stronger class than last year’s group."
On the first-ever Kings trade with the rival Ducks:
"Obviously, we are breaking it in slow. We just put our toe in the water to see if we like it and, if we like it, maybe we will try antoher one and get up to the fifth round. It is a good chance for J-S. We originally signed him on two-way contract. They are looking at him like most teams that are looking for a third guy, just in case heading, into playoffs. It will be good to see if he can extend his career."
On his general thoughts of the day around the league:
"I think the more telling thing was last year there were 20 trades leading up to the day and this year there were only four. When you are taking into account the trade deadline, it is not only the day itself but a lot of deals leading up to it. Overall, I would consider it slow, all-by with some big names – and all the big names were generated by contract situations. These, in a lot of ways, were not hockey deals per-se, based on hockey player for hockey player."
"If you look at it other than those big names, I think it was kind of slow. The other thing you did not see in the past, and it is a product of free agency, is that a lot of players have no-trades. It is something that, as free agency comes down to the 27-year age and it is harder and harder to acquire players, sometimes you do not have a choice if you want a player. There is not a lot of good players out there and it is almost becoming standard fare (to include a no-trade clause in a contract). That clearly had a huge impact on the market that we haven’t run into before. Before the lockout, this never was an issue."
Updated Feb. 26 at 5:35 p.m.
The Blog About Tip A King
I had a great time at Tip A King, I am not sure why it took me so long to blog about it. Here are my random thoughts/observations/facts from Tip A King.
- The Fear Factor show was pretty interesting ...I saw Jack Johnson down a smoothie of bugs, pig guts and rotten milk. I have not eaten/drank the first two, the later, however, I have accidentally consumed at one point and that brought back some terrible flashbacks.
- It was supposed to rain, and did, then miraculously stopped and did not rain at all during the event. The rain obviously did not keep the fans away, as over 1,000 Kings Fans showed up.
- From what I have heard, the event raised nearly $300,000, while the Ice Bike went for $35,000.
- No one stood in a line for autographs with the Kings Insider, must to the dismay of, well, the Kings Insider.
- It was my first trip to Universal Studios since I was 12, so that was cool.
- Mel's Diner is very good and has a statue of a guy holding a giant hamburger in front of it. I took a picture of Bailey trying to eat it. I took a whole photo gallery, really over 100 photos, I will get them all in when I get a chance, here is a start:
I |
I |
Updated Feb. 26 at 3:35 p.m.
Quotes From Other Teams' GMs
Lifted these quotes from Detroitredwings.com on Brad Stuart:
On Brad Stuart Deal...
"Last year in the Calgary series, we thought he was one of their better defensemen against us in the first round," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "He plays abrasive. At playoff time he gives us depth on defense."
On What Brad Stuart Brings to the Wings...
"He can play on the second power play, he can kill penalties. You can never have enough defensemen as we saw last year in our playoff run. He's going to play physical. He's got good size to him. He's going to move the puck up. We have seven established defensemen and we add a veteran defenseman."
On California Girls...
"I talked to his agent a lot this summer when he was a free agent. In the end, he’s married to a girl from California and he ended up signing a one-year deal with LA. So he’s been someone that we’ve liked."
Brian Burke, on Anaheimducks.com (Thanks Adam Brady):
On Two JS's Being Better Than One...
"We also wanted to make sure that that in the event there was an injury to our goaltending tandem that we had a goaltender available with NHL experience. We think J.S. Aubin has proven he can play at the NHL level. He's a quality person. Our goalie coach was very excited about getting him. He's friends with Jiggy. This does not, I want make this clear, effect Jonas Hiller’s status with our team at all. It just gives us goaltending depth going into the playoffs."
Updated Feb. 26 at 2:45 p.m.
Rob Blake Quotes
After practice, Rob Blake spoke with the media and here is what he had to say:
"I am not going to talk specifics by any means. Like I said before, I wanted to be with Los Angeles. I am with Los Angeles as of today and we will move forward from there."
"With the speculation and everything, it tends to wear on you a little bit. That points now gone and we can move forward. We have got a real good, young nucleus here and we need to build. With the cornerstones we have, the young forwards, young defensemen and the goaltending position, it can only go forward from there. I know we are at the bottom but I think the guys understand here it is important to finish these last 18-20 games because you have got to get respect from the rest of the league and that is what we have to earn right now."
"When we sat down, I did what I thought was best for the organization. I gave them an opportunity, and that is all I can say about it. Right now I am part of Los Angeles and that is great. We can move forward."
"I do not know if I will be ready for Thursday. By the weekend, for sure. Today was the first real full practice I had. We all get one more tomorrow and re-evaluate. Within a week here for sure. It feels all right. The longer I go on it, the more it is sore. If I can get by for a half hour-45 minutes, then if it bothers me tomorrow and gets worse, I have to take a step back – but it has not yet, and that is the encouraging thing."
Updated Feb. 26 at 1:35 p.m.
Alyssa Alert! Alyssa Alert!
While waiting for the Trade Deadline to expire, the Kings Insider did a little recreational reading and thumbed through The Official Catalog of the National Hockey League...and on page 10, I found, you guessed it, Alyssa Milano. Check out the photo below, which of course was "expertly doctored" by the Kings Insider and his amazing Photos Shop Skills, adding Kings logos to each of the items.
I |
Updated Feb. 26 at 12:35 p.m.
Yutaka Fukufuji Bobble Heads
| Two things: a) Just saw that the Bakersfield Condors are selling former King (and founding member of the Kings all-Japanese born team, should we ever compile such a list) Yutaka Fukufuji bobble heads and the Kings Insider must get one. They are NOW available online (that is the pull of the Kings Insider), as they were not available when I first learned of there existance...a few phone calls later and now you too can visit www.condorsteamstore.com, they are only $12, so I just bought like six of them... |
 |
b) Speaking of Bakersfield, check out this youtube clip from the Condors, courtesy of the STATS GEEK.
Updated Feb. 26 at 12:19 a.m.
Trades
The Kings have completed two trades to acquire draft picks...trying to get the names now...Brad Stuart to Detroit for a second round pick in 2008 and a fourth in 2009; Aubin to the Ducks for a seventh-round pick in 2008...which will unite the two J-S's...what is the plural of JS? JSes? JSi? JSae? By the way, that is the first trade EVER between the Ducks and Kings.
Updated Feb. 25 at 11:19 a.m.
The Best of the Worst
Here is something the Kings Insider has been thinking about for a little while. With all the three-point games, the team with the worst record in hockey, may not have that bad of a record. Since the Kings are currently in that seat, let's take a look at that with help from the Kansas City Star:
Best of the worst. It’s not much of a consolation prize, but sometimes you take the good when you can.
This season looks very likely to have its worst team put up the best record of any cellar-dweller in the decade. The Los Angeles Kings are the leading contenders, with a league-worst 56 points through 64 games. That puts the team on pace for 72 points, by far the best bad finish in recent years. They also have 26 wins, already exceeding Philadelphia’s point and win totals as the league’s worst team last season.
| Season | Team | W | Pts |
| 1999-00 | Atlanta | 14 | 39 |
| 2000-01 | N.Y. Islanders | 21 | 52 |
| 2001-02 | Atlanta | 19 | 54 |
| 2002-03 | Carolina | 22 | 61 |
| 2003-04 | Pittsburgh | 23 | 58 |
| 2005-06 | St. Louis | 21 | 57 |
| 2006-07 | Philadelphia | 22 | 56 |
| 2007-08* | Los Angeles | 26 | 56 |
*Through 64 games.
Food for thought, no?
Updated Feb. 23 at 5 p.m.
Practice Changes
Practice on Monday is now an optional practice at 10:30 a.m. at Toyota Sports Center; Tuesday's practice has been moved to 1 p.m.
Updated Feb. 23 at 4:40 p.m.
Quotes From The Locker Room
KINGS HEAD COACH MARC CRAWFORD:
(Re: game recap) “This is as good an overtime loss as you’re ever going to see. It was special to see our guys battle the way they did. Everybody had to be involved in it, all 20 players played in the third period and I thought all 20 players contributed… It’s a compliment that we were able to respond and rebound like that. It’s a real character builder for our team. We’ve done it twice now and won one and lost one, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that they are real character builders and hopefully they give the guys a lot of insight into what you have to do and how hard you have to work to be successful.”
KINGS GOALTENDER ERIK ERSBERG
(Re: first game jitters) “When you come in from the bench you don’t have time to think very much, you just go in and play….I felt pretty good, I got a good start with a couple of easy shots and then I just kept on going.”
KINGS FORWARD ANZE KOPITAR
(Re: Comeback effort) “This team showed a lot of character. Going down 5-1 into the third period, we’ve been down four goals in the third before, but you have to go out there and try to work hard and show some emotion. You have to show that you’re not quitting and then the goals start coming, everyone gets excited and I think we deserved that point.”
KINGS GOALTENDER DAN CLOUTIER
(Re: Game recap) “I’ve got to be better on some of those goals. I know it’s a young team, we’ve been saying that for two years, but I think we need to come up with something other than inexperience… I’m an older guy so l have to make the saves at certain times in the game.”
BLACKHAWKS HEAD COACH DENIS SAVARD
(Re: game recap) "This is a team (Los Angeles) that can score goals. We talked about that before the game, we executed our game and protected the puck and didn’t turn it over, we just didn’t have good coverage. Hockey games are never over, if you give a team the chance to come back there gonna take it."
BLACKHAWKS FORWARD PATRICK SHARP
(Re: Kings comeback) "It’s pretty impressive I guess, it was great by them to come back, we collapsed a little bit but nonetheless we got our two points."
BLACKHAWKS FORWARD JONATHAN TOEWS
(Re: game recap) "When they tied it up, you’re pretty much on your heels and it's hard to stay positive when they’re so confident and have so much momentum. Obviously we made some mistakes but we worked hard and stayed in it."
Updated Feb. 23 at 3:40 p.m.
Chicago with the Win in OT
Patrick Sharp, his second of the game, beats Ersberg, the first goal that Ersberg had allowed in his NHL career, leading to his first NHL OT loss as the Kings fall, 6-5.
Updated Feb. 23 at 3:30 p.m.
The Royal Rebound II
Anze Kopitar just tied the game. Down four entering the third period, the Kings have tallied four goals to tie it at five. Anze Kopitar, whose figurine was given out to fans today, tied the score with 13.3 seconds remaining in the game. Alexander Frolov and Michael Cammalleri with the assists on the play.
Updated Feb. 23 at 3:25 p.m.
Empty Net, 5-4
With 2:33 left in the game, Crawford pulled Ersberg for an extra attacker as the Kings went with the 6-on-5. The Kings held the puck in the Blackhawks zone after winning the face off. Patrick O'Sullivan scored his 16th of the year on a rebound after a few Kings took hacks at the puck. Kings have scored three goals on their last seven shots. Handzus and Frolov with the assists at 1:07.
Updated Feb. 23 at 3:15 p.m.
Making it Interesting
On a delayed penalty, Tom Preissing just scored on a qucik shot in the slot, after the Kings had put a plethora of attempts on Lalime before Preissing converted and the score is 5-3. Michael Cammalleri and Anze Kopitar with the assists. Cammalleri has scored 1-4=5 over the last two games.
Updated Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.
Cammalleri Breaks the Streak
Michael Cammalleri brings the Kings back to 5-2, with a nice put back on a Brown rebound. Kopitar with the second assist at 9:06. Brown put the shot on net and Cammalleri boxed out the Blackhawk defender and put back the rebound for his first goal since Dec. 21 at Columbus, snapping a nine-game drought.
Updated Feb. 23 at 3 p.m.
At least Grissom is happy
|
William Petersen, star of CSI and the first installment of The Silence of the Lambs series, Man Hunter, was just spotted at today's game...Petersen, an Evanston, Illinois native, is a huge Blackhawks fan. |
||
|
Updated Feb. 23 at 2:20 p.m.
Blackhawks go up 5-1, Ersberg Makes his NHL Debut
Jonathan Toews with a really neat pass, just sort of poking the puck, almost like a pool stick, to Jason Williams at the left post and he taps it in past Cloutier and it is now 5-1. Cloutier, who had been playing very well entering this game, is pulled and Erik Ersberg will make his NHL debut.
Updated Feb. 23 at 2:20 p.m.
Blackhawks go up 4-1
Jonathan Toews with a goal, it was a 3-on-1 breakaway, after an errant pass on the Kings power play created an odd-man advantage. Tom Preissing made a good play to get the puck out of the zone, temporarily, and Toews recovered and put a shot on Cloutier, which was saved, and Toews then snuck in the rebound and the Kings trail by three.
Updated Feb. 23 at 2:15 p.m.
Blackhawks go up 3-1
The 'Hawks just scored twice in 15 seconds. Martin Havlat had the puck behind the Kings net, skated in toward the front of the net, looking to pass, or so it seamed, Havlat roofed a backhander over Cloutier's left shoulder and it was 2-1...15 seconds later, Andrei Zyuzin scored between Cloutier's legs at 4:26, from Lang and Havlat.
Updated Feb. 23 at 1:26 p.m.
Make That 13-3...Blackhawks Tie It
With Brad Stuart in the box for tripping, Patrick Shark redirected a slap shot from Duncan Keith and Chicago is on the board at 9:32.
Updated Feb. 23 at 1:25 p.m.
Los Angeles on a 13-2 Run Vs. Chicago
You would think I was referring to the Kobe Bryant-led Los Angeles Lakers playing the Ben Wallace-less Chicago Bulls, but I am refering to your Los Angeles Kings playing the Chicago Blackhawks. Since Chicago's Jacob Dowell scored at 2:10 of the third period on Dec. 30, the Kings have out-scored the Blackhawks, 13-2, scoring three unanswered in the third and overtime for a 3-2 win over Chicago in that Dec. 30 game, then the 9-2 Kings rout on Jan. 1 and capped with the Kings 1-0 lead here today.
Updated Feb. 23 at 1:20 p.m.
Peter Harrold Scores His First NHL Goal
At 5:23 of the Kings 64th game of the 2007-08 season, Kings defensive prospect Peter Harrold tallied his first NHL goal and the Kings lead, 1-0. Harrold took a pass from Jeff Giuliano and his shot on net beat Lalime. Visnovsky credited with the second assist, 1-0 Kings.
Updated Feb. 23 at 1:15 p.m.
Stats Geek Checks In
Matt Ellis is making his Kings debut wearing jersey No. 8, here is a list of Kings to wear No. 8:
Mike WEAVER; Jeff COWAN; Martin STRBAK; Jere KARALAHTI; Doug BODGER; Dimitri KHRISTICH; Kevin BROWN; Rob MURPHY; Rene CHAPDELAINE; Marc FORTIER; Scott BJUGSTAD; Gilles HAMEL; Paul FENTON; Paul GUAY; Brian WILKS; Terry RUSKOWSKI; Dan BONAR; Bert WILSON; Doug VOLMAR; Jim JOHNSON; Ross LONSBERRY; Jimmy PETERS; Brian SMITH
Updated Feb. 23 at 1:05 p.m.
Hey I Know You
Former Kings on the Blackhawks roster: C Robert Lang, D Brent Sopel and C Yanic Perreault, with assistant coaches Mark Hardy and John Torchetti.
Updated Feb. 23 at 1:05 p.m.
No Nikolai
Apparently, Nikolai Khabibulin tweaked his back at practice on Friday and is out for tonight. He had gone 3-0-2 over his previous five starts, after losing nine straight prior to that streak. He is out. Other scratches for Chicago: Martin Lapointe and former King Brent Sopel. Chicago will skate out Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, Robert Lang, Martin Havlat and Patrick Kane with Patrick Lalime in net.
For Los Angeles, Derek Armstrong is out with a knee, LaBarbera is out with his groin injury and Brian Willsie is a healthy scratch. Kings starters: Peter Harrold and Lubomir Visnovsky on defense, the red-hot Alexander Frolov on a line with Patrick O'Sullivan and Michael Cammalleri. That line combined for 11 points (4-7=11) in the team's last game, a 5-1 win over St. Louis. Dan Cloutier and his 2-0-0 record, .931 SV% and 2.18 GAA will start in net for LA.
Updated Feb. 22 at 1:05 p.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
Edmonton rookie Sam Gagner has had at least one assist in each of his last seven games. Gagner’s assist streak is the longest ever by an Oilers rookie. (Wayne Gretzky had an eight-game assist streak in his first NHL season, 1979-80, but since Gretzky played in the WHA, he was not officially considered a rookie.) The Kings’ Patrick O’Sullivan had a seven-game assist streak as a rookie last season, but no rookie has had a longer assist streak since Winnipeg’s Alexei Zhamnov in 1992-93 (10 games).
Updated Feb. 21 at 10:36 p.m.
Quotes from the Locker Room.
KINGS HEAD COACH MARC CRAWFORD:
(Re: game recap) “In the first period if it wasn’t for the great play of Dan Cloutier they might have got on the roll that they so desperately wanted. That’s what good goaltending will do for you. It allowed us to find our game, we found it in the second period, and started making better decisions with the puck and good puck movement especially the line of O’Sullivan, Cammalleri and Frolov.”
KINGS FORWARD PATRICK O’SULLIVAN:
(Re: game recap) “Well we had some jump but we weren’t too happy with our first [period]. We were kind of back on our heels, but we knew we could come out harder in the second period. We had some good efforts from the guys tonight… We’ve had injuries this year, every team goes through that, and also half our team has been sick over the last couple of weeks. It’s something that you have to battle through. We weren’t too happy with our last game, so tonight it was important for us to have a good effort.”
KINGS GOALTENDER DAN CLOUTIER:
(Re: game recap) “I think it was a very good game against a very hungry opponent. I’m definitely happy with the way it turned out. I think we had a heck of a second period to really open things up. Then in the third period we really clamped down defensively and played well.”
BLUES HEAD COACH ANDY MURRAY:
(Re: loss to the Kings): “Every loss stings right now as we’re trying to get into the playoffs. It certainly stings, but they’re one of the highest scoring teams in the league, so we know they have the potential to score goals. We needed to be better on the defensive side. They took advantage.”
Updated Feb. 21 at 10:30 p.m.
Cloutier with the Win.
Updated Feb. 21 at 10 p.m.
Ay oh-oh ay: St. Louis on the Board.
Updated Feb. 21 at 9:41 p.m.
Frolov with the Hat Trick, the O'Sullivan Show Continues.
Kings just scored a crazy goal for a 5-0 lead. Patrick O'Sullivan centerd a pass and Michael Cammalleri appeared to defelect the puck off his skate and of the pads of CBT and into the net...or so we thought. The goal went under review to determine whether or not Cammalleri kicked it in.
Upon review, Frolov was on the post and tapped the goal in so it did not matter what Cammy did with his foot. For Frolov it is his third goal of the game, his third career hat trick (first since Jan. 12, 2006 vs. the Boston Bruins) and first at STAPLES Center. For O'Sullivan, it was his - count 'em - fifth point of the night (1-4=5) and 11th in the last nine (3-8=11).
Updated Feb. 21 at 9 p.m.
A Guy Just Asked a Girl To Marry Him.
All kidding aside, I am glad she said yes, it could have been much worse, did you see this collegehumor.com video of a guy getting rejected when proposing to his girl at a Rockets game?
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:52 p.m.
Stats Geek Checks In.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:52 p.m.
The Patrick O'Sullivan Show, Kings Up 4-0.
At 13:23, the Kings go up 4-0 with Patrick O'Sullivan scoring a power-play goal, his 15th of the season. Brad Stuart launched a shot from the point that missed the Blues net to the left and caromed right to O'Sullivan on the right post for an easy tap in. Anze Kopitar also got an assist on the play. For O'Sullivan, it is a career high, scoring 1-3=4. Legace, who had surrendered just five goals over the last four games (stopping 118 of the previous 123 shots entering tonight), surrendered four goals on 19 shots... He was the NHL's First Star of the Week last week...so not so much tonight. Legace is pulled and Chris Beckford-Tseu (CBT) enters the game for his NHL debut.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:44 p.m.
Frolov Again, O'Sullivan with three points, Kings up 3-0
Michael Cammalleri hit Patrick O'Sullivan in front of the St. Louis net, Sully sent a touch pass right between his legs to an open Alexander Frolov for Frolov's second goal of the game and O'Sullivan's third assist of the contest at 10:35.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:44 p.m.
Frolov Scores, Kings up 2-0
Alexander Frolov started an odd-man rush with a deft pass between his legs and Patrick O'Sullivan rushed the puck up the ice and passed ahead to an open Michael Cammalleri. Cammalleri faked the shot and back handed a pass to an on-rushing Jack Johnson, only Frolov beat him up the ice and scored the puck, which both Blue defenseman Eric Johnson and goaltender Manny Legace deflected, at 8:19 and it is 2-0 Kings.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:36 p.m.
Kings Goal---Power Play: LA 1, STL 0
Anze Kopitar controlled the puck on the power play along the boards, passed it to Patrick O'Sullivan for a shot in the slot, which was saved by Legace. Kopitar found himself in front of the net with the puck and swiftly scored for a 1-0 Kings lead. Andy McDonald was in the box with a holding penalty. Lubomir Visnovsky also with an assist at 6:43.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:36 p.m.
First Penalty Called
At 2:29, Raitis Ivanans with a holding penalty. Kings successfully kill off the power play and even create a scoring opportunity with Patrick O'Sullivan leading an odd man rush off a turnover. No goal, but he has become a weapon on the PK.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:30 p.m.
Army Out and Game Update
First of all, the opening period was over in about 30 minutes (which is really amazing and probably our fastest real-time period all year) zero penalties were called, not many scoring chances with the Blues out-shooting the Kings, 13-5.
Derek Armstrong, who was checked into the boards in the first period and did not take another shift, will not return to the game after suffering a knee injury...Michael Cammalleri saw some time at center to fill in.
Updated Feb. 21 at 8:05 p.m.
Letter From the Calgary Girl at the KROQ Tailgate Party
| Hopefully you were at the KROQ Tailgate on Feb. 15, if not, maybe you checked out our photo gallery. Anyway, one of the Calgary Girls in one of the photos (below) decided to send LAKings.com a note: "Hey Guys!!! I'm the girl in the picture... the Flames girl... and I just wanted to let you know... You guys can be my friend any day!!! Much love from Calgary." |
 |
| You will have to take a look at the Photo Gallery to get the reference...How much are tickets to Calgary? |
Updated Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Starters/Scratches
The Kings will scratch Jason LaBarbera (groin), Matt Ellis (who on our last update is en route to Los Angeles) and Kyle Calder. Kings will start Brad Stuart and Kevin Dallman on defense, with Michal Handzus centering a line with Scott Thornton and Raitis Ivanans. Dan Cloutier to start in net. Cloutier's last regular season start at STAPLES Center took place on Dec. 19, 2006. Thornton is making his first start since Feb. 7, as he has been battling a stiff back.
St. Louis will scratch Dwayne King, Christian Backman and David Perron. The Blues will start Barret Jackman and Bryce Salvador on the blueline with David Backes, Ryan Johnson and Keith Tkachuk up front. Emmanuel "Manny Legace" starting in net.
Updated Feb. 21 at 7:15 p.m.
Ersberg's Pads
During warm ups, Erik Ersberg had his proper equipment...Which is a big change from this morning, as apparently, his equipment bag was lost en route to El Segundo and he had to participate in this morning's skate borrowing the gear of one Mr. Jason LaBarbera...LaBarbera is listed as 6-3, 230, Ersberg, 5-11, 182. Not the most comfortable of fit! Check out this Kings Vision interview with Mike Kalinowski 
700K for details.
Regardless, Ersberg, who is dressing in his first career NHL game tonight as the back up to Dan Cloutier, has his equipment now...
Updated Feb. 21 at 5:45 p.m.
Alyssa Alert, Alyssa Alert!
| As some of you loyal readers may know, (if there are loyal readers?) that the Kings Insider is quite the Alyssa Milano fan and have even had one encounter with the young lady, which was documented here on LAKings.com (read it here)...Well I have just been informed that she is in the building tonight. We will try and get some photos and for every goal that St. Louis scores tonight, we will use Tony Danza's catch phrase from Who's The Boss, or as those in the know refer to as, WTB, "Ay oh-oh ay" or something like that...so stay tuned for that. |
 |
Updated Feb. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Kings Insider Is Thinking About Buying a Jeep
a) maybe I should buy a jeep.
b) how long did it take Heidi to memorize her lines!
I know Heidi is going to kill me for this one, but I could not resist.
Updated Feb. 21 at 11:30 a.m.
LaBarbera out with a groin, Ersberg to be recalled.
To take his place Kings prospect G Erik Ersberg will be called up on an emergency basis.
In addition, LW Matt Ellis was claimed of of waivers from Detroit and Lauri Tukonen was returned to Manchester.
Updated Feb. 20 at 2:30 p.m.
More from practice.
After practice, Patrick O'Sullivan did a photo shoot after practice for an upcoming story on him in ESPN The Magazine, or as those in the biz like to refer to it as "The Mag." So be on the look out for that. The Kings Insider does, however have a subscription and will scan and post for all of you when it is published.
Also Wednesday was a special ALL ACCESS practice for 20 lucky AM 570 radio station contest winners - Coach Marc Crawford met with the group before practice and then Daryl Evans gave them a special tour of the locker room.
Updated Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU.
The Canadiens trailed the Rangers, 5-0, in the second period last night but Montreal rallied to tie the score at 5-5 and went on to win via a shootout, 6-5. The Canadiens tied the NHL record for the largest deficit overcome to win a game, a feat last achieved by the Blues in a 6-5 overtime victory over the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Nov. 29, 2000. It was the first such win for the Canadiens in their 90 seasons in the NHL.
The Kings, obviously, are tied with probably a few teams for the second largest comeback to win a game in NHL History when the beat the Stars, 6-5 on Nov. 10, after entering the third period with a 4-0 deficit.
Memories.
Updated Feb. 20 at 9:30 a.m.
It's Gotta Be the Shoes.
| I was perusing John Buccigross' latest mailbag on ESPN.com (read it here), when I came across something interesting... Hi John, Thought your readers might be interested in this site where they can customize their own sneakers with the logo of their favorite NHL team. www.rbkcustom.com - Dan Of course this piqued the curiosity of one Mr. Kings Insider: |
 |
The shoe I designed costs $90, not sure if I will purchase, though being that I am the Kings Insider, I will have to talk to the tax man, perhaps a write off? Now we're talking.
Anyhow, if interested, visit www.rbkcustom.com and click on sport and have fun designing your own Kings shoe! If you design a cool shoe and want to take a screen shot and send into me, the Kings Insider may just post your shoe on LAKings.com... feedback@lakings.com
Updated Feb. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Draft Picks Piling UP
With the third-round pick the Kings have added in the Modry deal, Los Angeles now has - count them - 11 picks in the upcoming 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
By my calculations, LA has:
Two in Round 1
Two in Round 2
Three in Round 3
Two in Round 4
One in Round 6
One in Round 7
Total: 11
Updated Feb. 19 at 12:30 p.m.
Modry Dealt to Philly; Kings To Recall Harrold
The Kings have acquired a 2008 third round pick from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Jaroslav Modry.
Quotes from/on Modry on philadelphiaflyers.com:
"Jaroslav (Modry) is a steady two-way defenseman that will bring us leadership and experience down the stretch," said Flyers GM Paul Holmgren in announcing the trade.
"I am definitely excited," said Modry. "I am going to a solid organization with the chance to win the ultimate goal. My season, all of a sudden, has turned around. It is a great challenge for me, and like I said I am very excited.
"I bring experience, intensity and I am able to move the puck well out of our zone and make our forwards create chances. I am a solid defenseman and am able to play against the best players from the other team, and keep them from scoring goals against us. I think I can help the team get better. I can step up and play special teams, too, and be able to chip in and do the right stuff out there."
To take Modry's spot on the roster, the Kings will later recall Peter Harrold.
Updated Feb. 18 at 11:30 p.m.
Quotes From the Locker Room
(Re: game recap) “It was a disappointing effort. We looked like we were a tired hockey club, but that’s not an excuse, it’s an observation. I don’t think we battled with the type of intensity we needed to battle with… We didn’t muster much offensively because I think we didn’t skate hard enough and we didn’t do the things we needed to do till it was too late. We got seven chances in the third period but the game was over.”
KINGS GOALTENDER JASON LABARBERA:
(Re: Struggles vs. Phoenix) “It’s perplexing to all of us. I think we match up well against them, but for whatever reason they have our number. They find ways to beat us. We’ve had a few close games with them, and a couple of games like this. They’re in the playoff hunt too, and they did a good job of coming out early and establishing their fore-check and coming out with speed and we sat back and got caught on our heels early and they took it from there.”
KINGS DEFENSEMAN JACK JOHNSON:
(Re: game recap) “We definitely had our fair share of chances, but he [Coyotes goaltender Mikael Tellqvist] played well, you have to give him credit. Their whole team played well in front of him.”
KINGS FORWARD ANZE KOPITAR:
(Re: game recap) “We should have played the whole game like we did in the third period. We should have kept it real simple, established the fore-check, establish shots and get traffic in front. That’s what we didn’t do in the first two periods, so we fell behind and we were battling in the third trying to get some things going but obviously it didn’t work out.”
COYOTES HEAD COACH WAYNE GRETZKY:
(Re: game recap) “It was just a good team effort. Our guys really showed a lot of passion and emotion. It was a great win for us overall and a solid effort. We were physical when we needed to be physical and we would recover when we had a few breakdowns. We’re definitely heading in the right direction for the playoffs.”
COYOTES FORWARD RADIM VRBATA:
(Re: game recap) “It’s about playing consistently; I don’t think it’s about me, it’s about the team. I’m just happy to help. We’ve been clicking and taking every game seriously, right now every game counts for the playoffs.
Updated Feb. 18 at 9 p.m.
Winnik's Goal Has Phoenix Winning, 4-0
Updated Feb. 18 at 8:45 p.m.
3-0 On Carcillo's Goal
Updated Feb. 18 at 7:47 p.m.
Stats Geek Checks In
Updated Feb. 18 at 7:47 p.m.
Vrbata Extends The Lead
Updated Feb. 18 at 7:45 p.m.
Jovo Puts Phoenix up 1-0
Updated Feb. 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Starters/Scratches
The Kings counter with Jack Johnson and Jaroslav Modry on defense and Kyle Calder skating with Michal Handzus and the kid Teddy Purcell up front. Jason LaBarbera in net. Brian Willsie and Scott Thornton are scratches for LA with Matt Jones and Michael Zigomanis sitting out. I am sure this has already happened, but Zigomanis could use the nickname Z-Man.
Updated Feb. 15 at 11:00 p.m.
Quotes From the Locker Room
(Re: game recap) “It’s a fun team right now, especially with our younger forwards coming in and contributing the way that they are. Tonight we talked about coming out and making sure our effort was at the forefront of everything we did. Give big kudos to our entire group. Some of the play from our younger people especially [Brian] Boyle and [Ted] Purcell was special and maybe it’s pushing some other guys.”
KINGS FORWARD ALEXANDER FROLOV:
(Re: game recap) “It was a strong game after a long road trip. We knew Calgary was a very good team and we haven’t beaten them in two years, so we were ready to battle and I think we played a great game and deserved to win.”
KINGS FORWARD PATRICK O’SULLIVAN:
(Re: Play of Ted Purcell and Brian Boyle) “Both of these guys are good players and they’re going to be good players in this league for a lot of years. I think for them to come up and be successful is great. I don’t think a lot of people realize how good the young players are on our team, and how good we’re going to be in the future.”
KINGS FORWARD DEREK ARMSTRONG:
(Re: Kings recent success) “We didn’t come out of the gates as well as we would have liked, but we’re a young team and we’re going to grow together as a team…the most important thing is to grow as a team and put the past behind us and try to move forward.”
FLAMES HEAD COACH MIKE KEENAN:
(Re: game recap) “There’s no disagreement, we didn’t play with preparation. It makes you wonder what level of preparation or element is needed to play with consistency. We just didn’t have any defense, particularly in the first period.
FLAMES: FORWARD JAROME IGINLA
(Re: game recap) “We had some really good games but tonight we had a really bad start and gave up some chances. It was a bad first period and it carried on. We didn’t do anything the first 10 minutes and they took it away in the second period. We’re usually physical in the first period, but in this game we weren’t; we didn’t play with enough preparation.”
Updated Feb. 15 at 9:40 p.m.
Owen Nolan Cuts It To 6-3
Updated Feb. 15 at 8:55 p.m.
Kopitar Scoreless No Longer, 6-2
Updated Feb. 15 at 8:45 p.m.
Three Points for Army, 5-2
Updated Feb. 15 at 8:39 p.m.
Sully with a Shorty, 4-2
Updated Feb. 15 at 8:02 p.m.
Mr. Phaneuf Meet Mr. Boyle
Updated Feb. 15 at 8:02 p.m.
Five For Boyd
Updated Feb. 15 at 8 p.m.
Five For Scoring
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:52 p.m.
A First For Purcell, 3-1 Kings
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:47 p.m.
Boyle Four In Seven, 2-1 Kings
Brian Boyle, in his first start at STAPLES Center, scored his fourth goal in his seventh career game at 6:02 and the Kings now lead 2-1. Frolov and Armstrong with assists, both have multi-point games already.
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:47 p.m.
That Langkow Guy Again
Calgary ties the game up at 4:15 when Daymond Langkow with a goal on the rebound of what really was a broken play in which Brad Stuart put Kristian Huselius on his fanny as he attempted to put a shot on net. The puck, of course found the stick of Langkow, who has absolutely killed the Kings scoring his eighth goal-three game-winners,-and 10 points in just 3.3333 games against the Kings this year.
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:40 p.m.
Speaking of Frolov...1-0 Kings at 3:05
First it was Big Brian Boyle creating havoc in front of the Kings net creating a Grade A scoring chance, Alexander Frolov controlled the puck and rushed the net and dished a neat little pass to Kevin Dallman for his first goal in almost a year, as the last time he lit the lamp was March 7, 2007 vs. Columbus. Army also got an assist on the play.
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m.
More from Stats Geek
He brought his A game tonight, which is rare for the Stats Geek, in fact, I did not know he had an A game...nonetheless, another little nugget for just how hot Alexander Frolov is:
Four goals in first 29 games.
11 goals last 19 games.
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m.
Starters/Scratches
Calgary starters: Jarome Iginla with former King Craig Conroy and Alex Tanguay up front, and Robyn Regehr and Cory Sarich on the blueline. Kipper in net. Scratches: Wayne Primeau, Marcus Nilson and Rhett Warrener.
Kings scratches are Michael Cammalleri (flu) and Scott Thornton (upper body). Starters: Jack and Mo on the blueline with Ted "Don't call me Teddy" Purcell on a line with Calder and Handzus. Jason LaBarbera starts in net.
Updated Feb. 15 at 7:15 p.m.
Stats Geek Checks in
Tonight is just the second Kings home game on a Friday night all season. The first, vs. Boston on Oct. 12. The Kings are 0-1-0 in games played at STAPLES Center on Friday.
Thanks for that Stats Geek!
Updated Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.
Cammalleri Questionable
Michael Cammalleri is expected to miss tonight's game due to flu-like symptoms.
Updated Feb. 15 at 12:38 p.m.
Kings Insider 'Cameo' in the Figurine Series Commercial
 |
Many people have emailed in, trying to ascertain the identity of the Kings Insider. I will not be disclosing that any time soon, but if you want to see a picture of him -or part of him - that can be arranged. In the Kings awesome new video release from Kings Vision promoting the Figurine Series 700K, the Kings Insider's hand make a cameo as a hand/stunt double for Dustin Brown. |
Updated Feb. 15 at 12:38 p.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
The Blackhawks followed Wednesday night’s 7-2 win at Columbus with a 6-1 victory at Nashville last night. Chicago became the eighth team in NHL history, and the first in 19 years, to win a pair of road games by at least a five-goal margin on consecutive days. The last team to do so was the Kings in November 1988.
Updated Feb. 14 at 10:38 a.m.
These Are Our Fans II
The Kings Insider got the below email from Mike in North Carolina:
"I am a huge Kings fan from Greensboro, N.C., and the other day, I was driving in my car and this song by Ben Folds Five came on my Ipod. The song is called "Fair," and the chorus goes, "ba ba ba ba ba ba ba," but it sounds like LaBarbera. Check it out."
So yeah, the Kings Insider was pretty curious and took a look...the song starts at about 11 seconds and the chorus begins at about 1:11 and just sub in the words LaBarbera, LaBarbera, LaBarbera, syncs up better than Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon and the Wizard of Oz...
Check it out:
Ben Folds Five "Fair" or LaBarbera?
Updated Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m.
Two Thumbs up for Kings Vision and Bye, Bye Bryan
First an email from a fan:
As a fan in Toronto, I never really visited the website. I read about the work that Heidi Androl was doing for the website in a recent issue of The Hockey News. Being a fan from her "Apprentice" days- I checked out Kings Vision and was VERY impressed. Just wanted to say keep up the good work and give her a raise!
Francis
Toronto, Canada
Thanks for the note about Ms. Androl, but where is the love for the Kings Insider?
So in case you missed it, here is the article from The Hockey News.
On a sad note, Kings Vision lost a big piece of the puzzle yesterday, as Bryan Stratte left the Kings organization to become the director of a TV show entitled, "Black Diamond," that will be airing on the network Tru TV (Formerly Court TV). So stay tuned for that down the road.
Bryan, though listed as the "Kings Video Editor," was a one-man wrecking crew who wrote, directed, shot and edited the pieces on Kings Vision. He really helped put the department together and will be missed. On behalf of the entire Kings organization, we wish you the best of luck!
Updated Feb. 13 at 10:15 a.m.
A Couple of Changes
First, the Kings Insider has learned that defenseman Peter Harrold and forward Matt Moulson have been assigned to Manchester...expect official notification later today.
Secondly, Happy Valentine's Day...the Kings were scheduled for an off day on Thursday, Feb. 14, but has now slated practice at 2:45 p.m. at Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo.
Updated Feb. 13 at 10 a.m.
TYM4NHL
The Kings Insider was driving home from the gym, where he watched most of the Kings - Blues game, listening to Daryl Evans and Nick Nickson over the last eight minutes or so on the radio, when I changed lanes and I got behind a 2005 Pontiac GTO with license plate TYM4NHL...Excited by the vanity plate, it crossed my mind to flash my brights and honk the horn a few times and yell, 'GO KINGS GO!'...However, though the Kings Insider is a Kings fanatic, one thing he is not, is stupid, and I thought better of it...flashing your brights and honking your horn at other vehicles is not the best idea in Los Angeles!
Anyway, thought I would see if any Kings fans out their have vanity plates on their vehicles that show their love of Kings hockey. Feel free to snap a photo and send to feedback@lakings.com.
Updated Feb. 12 at 1 p.m.
Mullet Night Returns to Manchester
The Manchester Monarchs announced today the return of the mullet to Manchester by popular demand with "Mullet Night: Redneck Edition" when the Monarchs host the Hershey Bears at 7:05 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2008.
Mullet Night and the celebration of hockey hair sprung onto the scene in 2003 when the Monarchs honored the "business in the front, party in the back" hairstyle that was made popular by both professional athletes and entertainers. Over three years, the Monarchs celebrated the noted coiffe and inducted Barry Melrose, a former coach of the Kings and current ESPN personality, and the Hanson Brothers, immortalized as members of the Charlestown Chiefs in the classic hockey movie, "Slap Shot", into the Mullet Hall of Fame. In 2005, the two-time winner of the Grand Mullet of the Night, Devin Tebow, found his spot in the Hall of Fame along side not only Melrose and the famous trio of brothers, but also Patrick Swayze, Billy Ray Cyrus and Randy Johnson. Tebow became the first native of New Hampshire to join the prestigious ranks of hockey's greatest hairstyle.
In recognition of the history of the mullet through the years, the Monarchs are honoring the Redneck next month for keeping hockey hair alive for all these years. It's the Redneck that saved the mullet from impending doom, single-handedly kept their long locks from being wiped off the face of the Earth forever.
Updated Feb. 12 at 9 a.m.
This Buds For You
When Kings fans think of Seattle Thunderbirds players they should keep an eye on, Kings first-round pick Thomas Hickey is the first player that comes to mind of course. But please don't overlook Los Angeles' 3rd round choice, 86th overall, in 2006, Bud Holloway. Holloway had three goals last night to power the Seattle Thunderbirds to a wild 9-7 win over the Spokane Chiefs at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.
Holloway, a 6-foot, 180-pound center, has tallied 30-32=62 in 53 games now on the season.
Updated Feb. 12 at 8:30 a.m.
The Canadiens' wordsmith
The Kings Insider has never claimed to be a wordsmith, he is just a guy that likes hockey...But I found the quote below funny, in the release announcing the Montreal Canadiens signing of University of Denver star Brock Trotter to a three-year contract Thursday.
Trevor Timmins, the Canadiens' director of player recruitment, said:"We know the player's character. He's a super-nice young man," Timmins said.
Super-nice? Loved that evaluation!
Updated Feb. 11 at 3 p.m.
Aren't you glad this guy is not the Kings Insider?
So I was reading my ESPN the Magazine biking at the gym the other day and I spied a Kings mention that I would like to share with you all...Basically in The Mag (yeah, that is what we in the industry refer to ESPN the Magazine), this week's edition was devoted to the fans and they sent 15 or so fans to different sporting events armed with credentials to do their best Sports Writer impersonations...This guy went to the Kings and Blackhawks game in Chicago...The only thing I can think to say, is Aren't you glad that this guy is not the Kings Insider?
 |
Updated Feb. 11 at 2:08 p.m.
Penguins Notebook
Great article here about the Kings in the Post Gazette, comparing the Kings to the Pittsburgh Penguins of 2005. If that comparison holds true, expect good things from this talented, young nucleus of Kings.
By the way, the Kings are within one point of the Tampa Bay Lightning to climb out of the NHL's cellar and five other teams are within five points in the standings.
Updated Feb. 11 at 1:42 p.m.
Dan the Man
Dan Cloutier stopped 31-of-33 shots (.939) at Columbus, his first NHL win since a 5-4 defeat of Colorado on Dec. 9. 2006. It was his first NHL appearance since Dec. 23, 2006.
'I've waited a long time for this one,'' Cloutier said. ''I've been through a lot in the last couple of years. I'm pretty excited to come back up and get an opportunity to play.''
Updated Feb. 11 at 1:02 p.m.
Our First Look-A-Like
| So the Stats Geek was watching a very, very funny movie, Office Space this weekend and he had to call the Kings Insider, saying that Bob Porter looks a lot like Kings Special Assistant to the General Manager Jack Ferreira.
Lets take a look. You be the judge. |
||
|
||
|
Bob Porter, one half of the two Bobs combo from Office Space, was played by actor Paul Willson. My favorite quote from him: "We're gonna be getting rid of these people here... First, Mr. Samir Naga... Naga... Naga... Not gonna work here anymore, anyway." |
Updated Feb. 11 at 9:52 a.m.
Kopitar's Hands
Anze Kopitar had his 23rd and 24th goal on Saturday at Columbus. He is now tied for the team lead with Dustin Brown. Both goals were of the "right place, right time" variety where Kopitar had to collect a rebound and had a split second to score...he has great hands. Speaking of hands, check out this amazing youtube video.
Updated Feb. 8 at 10:52 a.m.
Aubin a Monarch
Since both Dan Cloutier and JS Aubin has passed through waivers, Aubin will be assigned to Manchester today. Both goaltenders were listed on the Kings roster last night, with Cloutier serving as Jason LaBarbera's back up.
Updated Feb. 7 at 11:37 a.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
Flames defenseman Dion Phaneuf, who signed a six-year contract extension on Wednesday, has scored 46 goals in his three seasons in the NHL. That’s the most goals over the last three seasons by any NHL defenseman. The only other defensmen with as many as 40 goals since the start of the 2005-06 season are Sheldon Souray (41) and Lubomir Visnovsky (41).
Updated Feb. 7 at 10:37 a.m.
Brownie a Daddy; Set to return at Pittsburgh
| Dustin and Nicole Brown are proud new parents after giving birth to their first child, Jake Austin Brown, at 2:24 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon (see mage below). Jake is 19 ½ inches tall and he weighs 7-pounds, 8-ounces. Dustin is expected to re-join the Kings in Pittsburgh for their game against the Penguins on Saturday afternoon (10 a.m. PT). | ||
|
Updated Feb. 7 at 9:47 a.m.
Cloutier back; Aubin still here and Blake on IR
The Kings will later announce today that D Rob Blake was placed on injured reserve and goaltender Dan Cloutier was recalled.
Also, goaltender J-S Aubin cleared waivers but he will not be assigned to Manchester (AHL) today. Since he is already in Detroit and the team has a roster spot open (forward Dustin Brown is currently listed as a non-roster player), the team will keep Aubin there until tomorrow. If all goalies are healthy after today’s game in Detroit, Aubin will be assigned to Manchester tomorrow.
Updated Feb. 7 at 9:37 a.m.
Stats Geek blogs a 'hit'
So the Stats Geek, who has just made his first couple appearances in the Kings blog over the last week or so, makes his second consecutive appearance with this little stats nugget.
This is where the kings rank (as of today) in hits
| RANK | TEAM | HITS |
| 1 | Rangers | 1452 |
| 2 | Canadiens | 1309 |
| 3 | Hurricanes | 1215 |
| 4 | Kings | 1141 |
| 5 | Senators | 1140 |
Updated Feb. 6 at 12:41 p.m.
Stats Geek Checks in
So yeah, the Kings Insider is making friends all over the place now (see the Alyssa Milano blog from two weeks ago)...anyhow, allow me to introduce to you one of my newest friends, Stats Geek.
His first submission is below.
Where Rob Blake ranks amongst defensemen:
His 219 goals rank 13th in NHL history, and is the most among active defensemen.
His 478 assists rank 25th in NHL history and sixth among active defensemen.
His 697 points rank 20th in NHL history and fourth amongst active defensemen.
Updated Feb. 6 at 9:41 a.m.
Quote from last night
HEAD COACH MARC CRAWFORD: “We had a great start. The Rangers came at us in the second period and I liked the way we played in the third. We forced them to the outside and didn’t give them a lot of second chances. I thought we protected the middle extremely well. We did simple things that caused them to take penalties. We knew they were going to try to throw a lot of pucks at the net and create a lot of scrambles and we didn’t allow them to do that. We had a great game by our defensive core, and young Jack Johnson was just special tonight.”
Updated Feb. 5 at 12:41 p.m.
Here's how it all shakes out
Dustin Brown returned to Los Angeles to be with his wife as the couple is expecting their first child. Brown has been designated as a non-roster player.
Matt Moulson and Bryan Boyle have had their recall status changed from emergency recalls to regular recalls. That, along with the activation of forward Michael Cammalleri from the injured reserve list, gives the Kings an active roster of 23 players.
Updated Feb. 5 at 11:41 a.m.
Brown Out
Breaking news...Kings forward Dustin Brown is out for today's game as he returned home to LA to be with his wife, Nicole, who is expected to give birth to their first child any day now...to fill his spot on the roster, Michael Cammalleri is expected to be activated.
Updated Feb. 5 at 10:40 a.m.
Notes on today's game
- Los Angeles is 3-1-1 in its last five head-to-head meetings. The Kings have won their last two games at Madison Square Garden after going winless in their previous 10 visits (0-9-1) from Oct. 31, 1991 through Nov. 28, 2000.
- The Kings have only allowed two power plays in their last two games (one Jan. 31 at the New York Islanders and one Feb. 2 at New Jersey). During the last eight games Los Angeles has killed 22 of 24 penalties against (91.7 percent).
- The Kings (21-30-3 = 45 points) have four more wins and four more points than they had last season through 54 games (17-30-7 = 41 points).
Updated Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m.
This is great
So as we know, Brian Boyle scored a goal in his NHL Debut on Saturday. Everyone knows that, the Kings web guy even wrote a story about it. He is the second King to score a goal in his NHL debut this season, the other Matt Moulson. So the good people in Kings PR did a little research and compiled the following list of Kings that had scored in their NHL debut, three of which tallied two goals.
| Date | Player | Goals |
| 12/26/1970 | Potvin, Jean | 1 |
| 10/11/1980 | Terrion, Greg | 1 |
| 10/11/1980 | Fox, Jimmy | 1 |
| 10/06/1982 | Isaksson, Ulf | 1 |
| 10/14/1982 | Giroux, Pierre | 1 |
| 10/05/1983 | LaForest, Bob | 1 |
| 10/09/1986 | Robitaille, Luc | 1 |
| 03/30/1988 | English, John | 1 |
| 04/07/1995 | Shevalier, Jeff | 1 |
| 10/07/1995 | Yachmenev, Vitali | 2 |
| 12/17/1998 | Rosa, Pavel | 2 |
| 04/18/1999 | Blake, Jason | 1 |
| 10/06/2000 | Belanger, Eric | 1 |
| 12/16/2005 | Kanko, Petr | 1 |
| 10/06/2006 | Kopitar, Anze | 2 |
| 11/02/2007 | Moulson, Matt | 1 |
| 02/02/2008 | Boyle, Brian | 1 |
Updated Feb. 5 at 10:14 a.m.
Happy Birthday Sean Avery
One year ago today, the Kings dealt Sean Avery to the Rangers...ironically, the two teams square off as Avery will face his former team for the first time since being acquired from the Kings as part of a five-player deal. Looking back, Los Angeles acquired checking forward Jason Ward - now with Tampa Bay - and forwards Marc-Andre Cliche and Jan Marek in that trade while the Rangers also picked up prospect John Seymour.
Updated Feb. 4 at 6:35 p.m.
A Very Brady Luncheon…
(The Kings Insider was uninvited, I mean unable to attend the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Luncheon, so the Stats Geek checked in from Toluca Lake...)
I filled in for the Kings Insider today (tough job) at the Southern California Sports Broadcasters Luncheon in Toluca Lake. Kings communications manager and Kings Vision contributor Mike Kalinowski and I went on behalf of Bob Miller and Jim Fox, who were both up for awards. Obviously Bob and Jim couldn’t make it, getting set for the Kings-Rangers game tomorrow night at MSG.
In case you haven’t heard of this event before… It’s an annual awards ceremony for all the sports broadcasters in the L.A. area. Everyone was there. It was a very cool experience for me, being a So. Cal native.
Unfortunately for us Kings fans, Bob and Jim didn’t win this year. But of course both are highly respected, and not only in So. Cal. I’m sure they’ll be back in the running next year (obviously).
Vin Scully took home a pair of awards (well-deserved of course). I’m a huge Dodger fan and it was the first time I’ve ever been in the same room with Vin. Needless to say my eyes and ears were glued whenever he spoke. Very cool for me!
Rex Hudler won the award for best Sports Color Commentary. And of course… he was REALLY excited. When is Rex not excited? So he spoke for about 45 minutes (it was more like five). That guy LOVES baseball!
Rick Monday was inducted into the SCSB’s Hall-of-Fame and gave a great speech. Again, being a huge Dodger fan this was really cool for me.
Of course everyone had great stories about the late Stu Nahan. Everyone had a unique memory of him, which was great to hear. He touched the lives of so many people. And after going to this luncheon it was obvious that he was a friend to so many people…
So many on-air celebrities were in attendance, which was no surprise. But you know who was also there? (drum roll please)
Carol Brady herself…the one…the only…Florence Henderson.
Here’s where I’m supposed to explain why she was there. But to be honest, I have no clue. I just asked Mike K. and he didn’t know either. Maybe we missed that part. (we did sit in the back of the room)
I looked for Alice, but couldn’t find her. Oh well, maybe next year.
Updated Feb. 4 at 1:35 p.m.
My Friend from Idaho checks in
So my friend Jacqueline Bennett, a beautiful reporter for ABC 6 in Idaho, just shot me a note with a link to one of her recent reports on the Idaho SteelHeads, an ECHL team based in Boise and an affiliate of the Dallas Stars.
I knew Jacqueline in College as she grew up in Southern California. Here is a link to her bio:
"In her spare time, Jacqueline loves watching sports, especially all things hockey. The Los Angeles Kings are her favorite team and she says she needs to see them win a Stanley Cup before she can die happy."
Anyhow, here is a link to her story, The SteelHead's Mustache Man, which at the time of this posting, was the second story listed on the menu...if not, just scroll down till you see the title.
Why am I sharing this little nugget you may ask?
a) it is hockey related
b) she's a Kings fan
c) how often do you get to see a hot girl wear a mustache?
Updated Feb. 4 at 12:35 p.m.
More on the Super Bowl
Apparently, not only was Kings Vision's host Heidi Androl at the Super Bowl, but perhaps more importantly, she was invited to attend the Victoria's Secret Super Bowl party...I promise you, I will get pictures of this as soon as I can.
The Kings Insider is extremely jealous at the moment and will probably not talk to Ms. Heidi for a while.
Updated Feb. 4 at 12:25 p.m.
Super Bowl
Jason LaBarbera, a huge football fan and regular fantasy footballer, checked in with the Kings Insider from New York. He was pulling for the Pats for a chance to see 19-0, and obviously was disappointed by the exciting, improbable, Giants' 17-14 win over the Patriots.
"The Giants, obviously deserved to win, they made plays when they had to," LaBarbera said. "The first three quarters were a little boring with not a lot going on. The fourth quarter was amazing.
"People are pretty passionate about their sports in New York, to be in the city when they won was really cool."
The team got together at a Sports bar in New York and watched the game and then walked down to Times Square, where thousands of people were celebrating...except Brian Boyle.
Boyle, obviously a Massachusetts native and Boston College alum, took the loss a little rougher than most, LaBarbera described his as 'rattled.'
Updated Feb. 2 at 3:55 p.m.
Boyle's Big Adventure
So Bryan Boyle made his NHL debut today, and of course, to do so took a five-hour car ride with him arriving at the Prudential Center 10 minutes prior to game time.
Updated Feb. 2 at 11:55 a.m.
Boyle and Harrold to be recalled
Just received word that both Brian Boyle and Peter Harrold will be recalled with Nagy being placed on IR.
Updated Feb. 2 at 9:23 a.m.
Blake Out with an ankle
Rumors began to circulate as early as yesterday afternoon that Rob Blake had suffered an injury and would miss the remainder of the Kings current road trip with the possibility of Peter Harrold being recalled from Manchester on an emergency recall.
Now we have official word: Blake is expected to miss two weeks due to an ankle injury. He suffered the injury (non displaced fracture) at Edmonton on Jan. 15 while blocking a shot and has played the last six games in discomfort. He returned to Los Angeles on Friday to receive proper treatment. He is likely to return to the ice upon completion of the team's current road trip.
Updated Feb. 2 at 8:23 a.m.
Lunch With Rob Blake and a slice of Tomato
The Valley News runs a feature where kids send in letters about one person they would have lunch with and why. Of the submissions, there were entries for George Washington, Alicia Keyes, Tom Brady, Mia Hamm, Ann Brashares, Laura Ingalls, Rachel Carson, Paul McCartney (twice), Benazir Bhutto, Andy Goldsworthy, Roger Clemens and Kimmy Meiner.
Also on the list was this submission from seven-year-old Jessica Wallace from Lupin Hill Elementary in Calabasas:
"If I could have lunch with anyone I would want it to be Rob Blake from Kings hockey. We would go to his favorite restaurant. I would eat a hamburger with a slice of tomato. I would ask him if I can have a hockey stick and a super close ticket. I would ask him lots of questions. I would ask what he liked to eat. I would give him a quiz to see if he knows everyone on the team. I would ask him if he liked animals and what his favorite color is. I would ask so many questions because I love the Kings."
Updated Feb. 1 at 10 p.m.
Incident with the Guy Behind the counter at Hollywood Video.
So last night, the Kings Insider and one of his buddies picked up a flick over at Hollywood Video. My buddy was wearing a Kings shirt. Making conversation with us while we were paying, the guy behind the counter at Hollywood Video and I had the following conversation:
Guy Behind the counter at Hollywood Video: You a Kings fan? They win last night?
Kings Insider: Yeah, they beat the New York Islanders, 3-1.
GBTCAHW: Oh I thought they were going to lose that game, they aren't very good on the road.
KI: Hey they have been playing well of late, won five of seven on the road and six of nine overall.
GBTCAHW: They still in last place?
(PAUSE)
KI: Just give me my movie!
So that happened. The flick I rented was Death Sentence, with Kevin Bacon. Believe it or not, there is a hockey sub plot in the movie, which was alright.
Updated Feb. 1 at 3 p.m.
Did you notice?
Something has been going on lately with your Los Angeles Kings...a lot more W's than L's...in fact, the Kings have earned points in seven of their last nine games (6-2-1), their best nine-game stretch since going 7-1-1 in a nine-game span Dec. 19, 2005 to Jan. 5, 2006. The Kings have also earned points in six of their last seven on the road (5-1-1), the best road stretch since going 6-1-1 in an eight game span Dec. 6 to Dec. 31, 2005.
And here is my favorite, the Kings (21-29-3 = 45 points) have four more wins and five more points than they had last season through 53 games (17-30-6 = 40 points).
Updated Feb. 1 at 9 a.m.
Quotes from last night
MARC CRAWFORD
"It was a big factor in our win tonight. It was a great kill by us at the end of the game when they did get their power-play opportunity. I really compliment our guys, who got their bodies in front of shots."
"The Islanders came out strong to begin the game and Jason looked calm and confident in net. I thought his demeanor seemed to spur our troops on a little bit more."
ROB BLAKE
"We had three power play opportunities in the first and I don’t think we had more than two shots. They really shut us down. Fortunately we got one near the end there."
"We understood the challenge of coming on this type of a trip after the break. We came up a little short in Philly, but tonight we got the job done. We now have to focus on the Devils and the Rangers."
