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 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: March February January |
Updated April 29 at 3:25 p.m.
IGINLA, MALKIN AND OVECHKIN NAMED HART TROPHY FINALISTS
One King player has won the Hart, any idea who? Yeah, you guessed it, Wayne Gretzky. For a complete list of Kings award winners, click here.
Members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association submitted ballots for the Hart Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters announced as finalists. The winner will be announced Thursday, June 12 during the 2008 NHL Awards Television Special, which will be broadcast live throughout Canada on CBC and the United States on VERSUS from the historic Elgin Theatre in Toronto.
Following are the finalists for the Hart Trophy, in alphabetical order:
Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
Iginla, a Hart Trophy finalist for the third time, finished second in 2002 and 2004. He tallied his second career 50-goal season in the NHL and recorded a career-best 98 points (50 goals, 48 assists) in 82 games, ranking third in the League in both categories. The Calgary captain led the Flames in goals, assists, points, plus-minus (+27), power-play goals (15), game-winning goals (nine) and shots (338). He became the franchise leader in career games Nov. 29 with his 804th appearance, eclipsing the mark of Al MacInnis, and became the Flames' all-time goal-scoring leader March 10 with the 365th career tally, passing Theoren Fleury.
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Malkin, a Hart Trophy finalist for the first time, led the Penguins in scoring and finished second in the League overall to Ovechkin with 106 points (47 goals, 59 assists) in 82 games. Malkin posted a 15-game point streak from Oct. 23 to Nov. 22, the longest by a Russian player in NHL history, and tallied 46 points (20 goals, 26 assists) in 28 games while Sidney Crosby was sidelined with an ankle injury during the second half of the season. Malkin was the NHL's leading scorer after Dec. 31, tallying 65 points (32 goals, 33 assists) in 44 games; the Penguins posted a 27-11-6 record in that span.
Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals
Ovechkin, a first-time Hart nominee, tallied 112 points (65 goals, 47 assists) in 82 games, capturing the Art Ross Trophy as NHL scoring leader and Maurice Richard Trophy as the League’s top goal scorer. He also led all players in power-play goals (22) and game-winning goals (11). Ovechkin set the single-season NHL record for goals by a left wing, surpassing Luc Robitaille's 63 with Los Angeles in 1992-93, and his 65 goals were the most by NHL player since Mario Lemieux in 1995-96. Ovechkin scored 51 of his goals in the 61 games after Bruce Boudreau was named head coach Nov. 22, pacing the 37-17-7 run that carried the Capitals into the playoffs.
History
The current Hart Trophy was presented by the National Hockey League in 1960 after the original trophy was retired to the Hockey Hall of Fame. The original was donated to the NHL in 1923 by Dr. David A. Hart, father of Cecil Hart, former manager-coach of the Montreal Canadiens.
Updated April 23 at 3:25 p.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
Jeremy Roenick had two goals and two assists for the Sharks’ in their Game Seven win over the Flames last night. Roenick’s four points were the most by an NHL player in the seventh game of a playoff series since May 29, 1993, when Wayne Gretzky had three goals and one assist for the Kings in their 5-4 win at Toronto.
Last night was the third time that Roenick scored two goals in a Game Seven. That ties him with Wendel Clark for most multiple-goal Game Sevens by an NHL player. Four players have done it twice: Wayne Gretzky (4/15/89 vs. EDM, 5/29/93 vs. TOR), Patrik Elias (5/26/00 vs. PHI, 5/9/01 vs. TOR), Pavel Bure (4/30/94 vs. CGY, 5/19/95 vs. STL) and Alexander Mogilny (4/30/02 vs. NYI, 5/14/02 vs. OTT).
Updated April 23 at 10:05 a.m.
LUC INTRODUCES THE CALDER FINALISTS
Click here to watch Luc Robitaille (about three minutes in) introduce Washington Capitals center Nicklas Backstrom and a pair of Chicago Blackhawks -- right wing Patrick Kane and center Jonathan Toews -- as the three finalists for the Calder Trophy in 2007-08, awarded "to the player selected as the most proficient in his first year of competition," the National Hockey League announced today.
This marks the second consecutive season in which two players from the same club are Calder Trophy finalists. In 2006-07, the Pittsburgh Penguins' Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal finished first and third, respectively, in the voting.
Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals
Backstrom finished second among NHL rookie scorers with 69 points (14 goals, 55 assists) in 82 games, three points behind Kane. Backstrom was the League's Rookie of the Month for December and tallied 17 points (five goals, 12 assists) and a +16 rating in his last 17 outings. His point total was the second-highest by a Capitals rookie in franchise history behind Alex Ovechkin's 106 in 2005-06. His 55 assists set the club record for a rookie, surpassing Ovechkin's total by one.
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
The first player selected in the 2007 Entry Draft, Kane tallied 16 points in October as an 18-year-old, the most by an NHL rookie in the season's opening month since 1992-93. His shootout goal against Buffalo childhood hero Dominik Hasek in his second NHL game gave the Blackhawks their first victory of the season -- a 4-3 decision over Detroit Oct. 6. Kane finished the season as the League's rookie scoring leader and tops on the Blackhawks with 72 points (21 goals, 51 assists) in 82 games.
Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks
Toews scored his first career NHL goal on his first shot in the first period of his League debut Oct. 10 against San Jose. He went on to record a point in each of his first 10 NHL games (5-5--10), the longest point streak by a rookie starting his career since Dmitri Kvartalnov of the Boston Bruins notched a point in each of his first 14 games in 1992. Despite missing more than a month due to a mid-season knee injury, Toews led all rookies in goals (24), tied for the lead in power-play goals (seven) and ranked third in points (54).
History
From 1936-37 until his death in 1943, NHL President Frank Calder bought a trophy each year to be given permanently to the NHL's outstanding rookie. After Calder's death, the League presented the Calder Trophy in his memory.
Updated April 22 at 10:05 a.m.
CHARA, LIDSTROM AND PHANEUF NAMED NORRIS TROPHY FINALISTS
Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins, Nicklas Lidstrom of the Detroit Red Wings and Dion Phaneuf of the Calgary Flames are the three finalists for the Norris Trophy in 2007-08, awarded "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position," the National Hockey League announced.
Of course Rob Blake was the first King to ever win the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman (Chris Pronger and Nicklas Lidstrom were the other finalists). In that 1997-98 season, Blake tallied a career-high 23 goals with 27 assists for 50 points. He played in 81 games and added 94 PIMs to help the Kings advance to the playoffs.
Following are the finalists for the 2007-08 Norris Trophy, in alphabetical order:
Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
Chara, who as a member of the Ottawa Senators finished second to New Jersey’s Scott Niedermayer in 2004, ranked third among NHL players in average ice time per game (26:50) and set career highs for goals (17), assists (34) and points (51) in a season. He led the Bruins and ranked eighth in the League with 223 hits and improved his plus-minus rating from -21 in 2006-07 to a team-high +14 this season.
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
Lidstrom, who has won the award five times, earned his ninth Norris nomination in the past 10 seasons. The Norris winner 2001 through 2003, plus 2006 and 2007, Lidstrom helped the Red Wings post the NHL's best defensive record in 2007-08 -- a League-low 2.16 goals per game. In 76 games, Lidstrom led all NHL defensemen in scoring with 70 points (10 goals, 60 assists), ranked second in the NHL to teammate Pavel Datsyuk in plus-minus (+40) and was fourth among all players in average ice time per game (26:43).
Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames
The 23-year-old Phaneuf, who finished third behind Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby in 2006 Calder Trophy voting as the League's top rookie, is a first-time Norris finalist. Along with leading Flames defensemen in scoring with a career-high 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 82 games, Phaneuf led the Flames in average ice time per game (26:25) and hits (194). He also ranked second on the club in shots (263) and third in power-play goals (10).
History
The Norris Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League in 1953-54 by the four children of the late James Norris, in memory of the former owner-president of the Detroit Red Wings.
Updated April 22 at 9:55 a.m.
MONTREAL JUST JACK BAUERIZED BOSTON
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| What do Tom Preissing and 24's Jack Bauer (played by Kiefer Sutherland) have in common? |
So the Kings Insider woke up this morning and was stretching out, enjoying a nice cup of coffee and a bagel, watching the Today Show, when on commercial, I did a little flip over to Sportscenter. Shockingly, there were hockey highlights (I thought all they cared about was the Yankees and Red Sox, Football, Baseball, Stephen A. Smith and Arena Football for some reason...speaking of Arena Football, here is my take on it, "My Mom taught me not to play football in the house when I was a kid." Or I gave up the sport when I was CUT BY MY ARENA FOOTBALL TEAM IN HIGH SCHOOL!)
Back on point, they showed highlights of Montreal defeating Boston in Game Seven and then showed a shocking statistic, Montreal has eliminated Boston 24 times in the playoffs, leading the anchor to say, that Montreal had Jack Baurized Boston!
Now I don't watch 24, but for those of you that don't know (from Wikipedia), "Jack Bauer is the protagonist of the American television series 24, in which he has trained and worked in various capacities as a government agent, including US Army Delta Force, LAPD SWAT, and finally the Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) Los Angeles. Within the 24 storyline, he is a key member of the latter and is often noted as the best agent CTU has. Jack's job usually involves him helping prevent major terrorist attacks on the United States, saving both civilians, governments and leaders. On many occasions Jack does so at great personal expense, as those he thwarts subsequently target him and his loved ones. Actor Kiefer Sutherland portrays Jack Bauer in the television show and video game, and in 2006 signed on for at least three further seasons."
So that got me to thinking, who had done any Jack Bauering on the Kings this season: Tom Preissing Jack Baurized the NHL, scoring 24 points on eight goals and 16 assists...Then of course Alexander Frolov, nearly tallied 24 goals, but he does where the No. 24, so perhaps we call him Jack Bauer going forward.
Updated April 21 at 9:55 a.m.
BRIAN BOYLE THE WRITER?
Have you ever seen the movie, "The Number 23," starring Jim Carey? I saw it the other day, not the best movie in the world and by no means am I recommending it, but here is the plot:
On his birthday, Walter Sparrow, an amiable dog-catcher, takes a call that leaves him dog bit and late to pick up his wife. She's browsed in a bookstore, finding a blood-red-covered novel, a murder mystery with numerology that loops constantly around the number 23. The story captivates Walter: he dreams it, he notices aspects of his life that can be rendered by "23," he searches for the author, he stays in the hotel (in room 23) where events in the novel took place, and he begins to believe it was no novel. His wife and son try to help him, sometimes in sympathy, sometimes to protect him. Slowly, with danger to himself and to his family, he closes in on the truth...anyhow the point is, everywhere he goes, he sees the number 23.
I am getting that way too, apparently, as everywhere I look, I see Kings. I was watching American Dad last night after Daryl Evans' hockey workshop and watching Family Guy and the Simpsons, one of the writers on the show, you guessed it, Brian Boyle. Here is his imdb.com page.
Updated April 21 at 9:45 a.m.
SEE HEXTALL INTRODUCE THE VEZINA TROPHY FINALISTS
Click here to watch Ron Hextall introduce Martin Brodeur of the New JerseyDevils, Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers and Evgeni Nabokov of the San Jose Sharks, the three finalists for the Vezina Trophy in 2007-08, awarded "to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position."
The 30 NHL Club General Managers submitted ballots for the Vezina Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters announced as finalists. The winner will be announced Thursday, June 12 during the 2008 NHL Awards Television Special at the historic Elgin Theatre in Toronto, broadcast throughout Canada and the United States on CBC and VERSUS, respectively.
Following are the finalists for the Vezina Trophy, in alphabetical order:
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils
Brodeur has earned his eighth career nomination as a finalist and is in quest of his fourth career win; he captured the trophy in 2003, 2004 and 2007. Brodeur posted a 44-27-6 record with a 2.17 goals-against average, .920 save percentage and four shutouts in 2007-08, ranking among League leaders in minutes played (first, 4,635), victories (second) and goals-against average (fifth). He became just the second goaltender in NHL history to reach the 500-win mark, following Patrick Roy, and ended the season with 96 career shutouts, seven shy of all-time leader Terry Sawchuk. He extended NHL records by registering his third consecutive and seventh career 40-win season, and 10th consecutive campaign with 70-or-more games.
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers
Lundqvist is a Vezina Trophy finalist for the third consecutive season, having placed third in 2006 and 2007. He posted a 37-24-10 record with a 2.23 goals-against average and .912 save percentage in 72 games and led all NHL goaltenders with 10 shutouts. He tied his career high in victories, set last season, and is only the second goaltender in NHL history to record three consecutive 30-win seasons to begin his career, joining Philadelphia's Ron Hextall (1986-87 to 1988-89). Lundqvist's 10 shutouts were the most by a Rangers goaltender since John Ross Roach posted 13 in 1928-29.
Evgeni Nabokov, San Jose Sharks
Nabokov, a Vezina Trophy finalist for the first time, led the NHL in victories (46), just two shy of Brodeur's NHL-record 48 set last season, and posted 25 one-goal victories, second to Brodeur's 26. He ranked second among NHL goaltenders in minutes played (4,561), third in goals-against average (2.14) and tied for third in shutouts (six). Nabokov posted a 43-game consecutive-start streak to begin the season, one short of the longest such streak since 1989-90. He had started 51 consecutive games dating back to March 24, 2007 before getting the night off in Anaheim Jan. 13.
History
The Vezina Trophy was presented to the National Hockey League in 1926-27 by former Montreal Canadiens owners Leo Dandurand, Louis Letourneau and Joe Cattarinich in memory of Georges Vezina, the outstanding Canadiens goaltender who collapsed during an NHL game on Nov. 28, 1925 and died of tuberculosis a few months later. Until 1981-82, the trophy had been awarded to the goaltender(s) on the club allowing the fewest number of goals during the regular season -- the current basis for the William Jennings Trophy.
Updated April 19 at 10:45 a.m.
NOTES FROM THE DUCKS PLAYOFF GAME
The Kings Insider needed his hockey fix and was at the Ducks-Stars game last night. Here are some notes:
- Ducks carried three goaltenders last night...NONE of them named J-S Aubin. They did manage to bring in another net minder with a dash in the middle of his name and J as an initial, J-P Levasseur.
- The game started at 7:30 as opposed to the usual 7 p.m. start time for games at the Ponda Center, which the Kings Insider was unaware of as he rushed down the 405 from El Segundo at 5 p.m., stressing to get down there on time.
- Loved this note from the Ducks game notes: "The Ducks became the second southern California hockey team to sell out the season...the first, the 1992-93 Los Angeles Kings." Good, I was worried about the Long Beach Ice Dogs.
- Auditions for the Ducks Powerplayers will be July 15, expect a blog from the Kings Insider. Must see. Still hoping the Kings add Ice Girls like the rest of the league.
- Bobby Ryan, who scored his first NHL goal against Jonathan Bernier in London, England, the first NHL goal that Mr. Bernier surrendered, was sent down from Anaheim to Portland the other day. I think these two guys will see a lot of each other over the next 10 years.
- Congratulations to former King Mattias Norstrom, who tallied his first career playoff goal in his 43rd playoff game last night vs. the Ducks.
- Saw this note:
Remember Felix the Cat? Two good post season runs with the Kings from 2000-02, ended up posting a 10-10 mark with a 2.34 GAA and a .925 SV%, with two seven-game losses to Colorado.Player Team GP W L WIN % Jean-Sebastien Giguere ANA 13 12 1 .923 Billy Smith NYI 21 16 5 .762 Felix Potvin TOR/LA 20 15 5 .750
Updated April 18 at 4 p.m.
IT'S AWARD SEASON
The list of finalists for each of seven prestigious National Hockey League 2007-08 regular-season awards will be announced beginning Monday, April 21, with the finalists for the Vezina Trophy, which goes to the top goaltender. Rumor has it that Kings Assistant GM Ron Hextall, a former Vezina Trophy winner himself as well as Luc Robitaille, a former Calder Trophy winner, will be a part of the announcement of the finalists on the hockey show, so stay tuned for that! By the way, without cheating, can you name all of the awards and what they are awarded for? Answers below.
The announcement timetable:
Date/Award
Monday, April 21: Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)
Tuesday, April 22: James Norris Memorial Trophy (top defenseman)
Wednesday, April 23: Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie)
Thursday, April 24 : Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (skill/sportsmanship)
Friday, April 25: Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward)
Tuesday, April 29: Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
TBD : Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)
Award winners will be announced in Toronto on Thursday, June 12, as the biggest names in hockey will mingle with stars from the world of entertainment to recognize the top performances from the 2007-08 NHL season at the 2008 NHL Awards Show, airing on CBC and VERSUS.
The Professional Hockey Writers' Association (PHWA) cast ballots for the Hart, Norris, Selke, Lady Byng and Calder Trophies. The 30 NHL General Managers voted on the Vezina Trophy. The NHL Broadcasters' Association (NHLBA) submitted votes for the Jack Adams Award.
Voting for these awards was conducted at the conclusion of the regular season. Balloting results were tabulated by the accounting firm Ernst & Young.
Updated April 18 at 2 p.m.
THE CASE FOR ROB BLAKE FOR THE KING CLANCY
- Was active (along with his wife Brandy) in the Kings’ Adopt a Family program
- Served lunch to underprivileged children for the Thanksgiving holiday
- Was active in “Kings-4-Kings Nights” benefiting the Children’s Cancer Research Fund
- Decorated pet bowls that were auctioned off to benefit spca-LA
- Took part in the club's annual Children’s Hospital Visit during the Christmas season
- Participated in the Kings’ annual charity golf tournament
- Participated in Tip-A-King, the club’s largest charitable fundraiser, held at Universal Studios Hollywood
- Participated in the team’s first ever beach clean-up effort, held at the Redondo Beach Pier in partnership with Heal The Bay
- Participated in several meet-and-greets on behalf of the Kings Care Foundation throughout the season
- Advanced to the Fantastic Four of “LA Kings Madness” on LAKings.com as sixty-four current and former Kings were selected and were part of a three-week bracket-style competition that served as a "tribute" to basketball's March Madness and helped decide the most popular player in the history of the Kings
- Played in his 800th game as a King March 26 at Anaheim, becoming only the fourth player in franchise history to play in that many games
- Recorded a goal March 22 at Dallas, which moved him up to 10th all-time in Kings’ history (surpassing Bob Berry) in total goals as a King
- Recorded his 700th career point (a goal) March 8 vs. Montreal
- Became the all-time franchise leader in games played (781) by a Kings’ defenseman (fourth most overall in franchise history) Jan. 15 at Edmonton (surpassing Mattias Norstrom)
- Notched two points (1-1=2) Dec. 26 vs. San Jose, which moved him up to seventh all-time in Kings history (surpassing Jim Fox) with 480 career points
- Completed his sixth season overall as Kings’ captain (2007-08 and 1996-01)
- Leads all active defensemen in the NHL in career goals (223) and career power play goals (126)
- Is tied for fourth amongst active NHL defensemen in career points (702), seventh in career assists (479) and eighth in career games played (1,127)
- Has more career goals (161), career assists (333), career points (494) and games played (805) than any other defenseman in Kings history
- The only King to ever win the Norris Trophy (1997-98)
- Named a First Team NHL All-Star in 1997-98 and a Second Team NHL All-Star in 1999-00
- Named as a NHL All-Rookie selection in 1990-91
- Represented the Kings at the 1994, 1999, 2000 and 2001 NHL All-Star Games
- Named the Kings' "Most Valuable Player" in 1997-98 and 1999-00
- Named the Kings' "Outstanding Defenseman" in 1990-91, 1991-92, 1992-93, 1993-94, 1997-97 and 1999-00
- Named the Kings' "Most Popular Player" in 1997-98
- Named the Kings' "Most Inspirational Player" in 1997-98
- Named the Kings' "Community Service" award winner in 1995-96, 1998-99 and 1999-00
- Shares the team record for most goals by a defenseman in one playoff year (4 in 1993)
- Shares team records for most assists by a defenseman in one playoff game (3 on Apr. 10, 1991) and most assists by a rookie defenseman in one playoff game (3 on Apr. 10, 1991)
Updated April 17 at 10 a.m.
ON THIS DATE IN PLAYOFF HISTORY
Kozak's Goal Updated April 15 at 10 a.m.
BUD & OSCAR GO TO MANCHESTER
What is an ATO you ask? Well it is not Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, nor is it the Australian Taxation Office (today is tax day, you had to know that was coming), nor is it in tribute to Ato Boldon of Trinidad, the 100m and 200m world class sprinter (the Olympics are coming up too). ATO stands for Amateur Try Out and two Kings prospects, Oscar Moller and Bud Holloway have signed ATOs with the Monarchs and will play with the team during the Calder Cup Playoffs ...more
Updated April 11 at 10 a.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
Updated April 10 at 10 a.m.
FROM THE STAT WIZARDS AT ELIAS SPORTS BUREAU
Roberts notched his 31st and 32nd career playoff goals, coming 20 years and three days after his first one (April 6, 1988 for the Calgary Flames against goaltender Roland Melanson in a 9-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings in Game 1 of the Smythe Division Semifinal). The Calgary lineup for that game featured three future Hall of Famers (Al MacInnis, Lanny McDonald and Joe Mullen). Roberts has recorded more than a quarter of his 91 career playoff points against the Senators (14-9--23 in 24 games).
Updated April 10 at 10 a.m.
A PUCKER MEETS MR. PUCK
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| Luc Robitaille meets Wolfgang Puck at a Corporate Partnerships party as a ‘thank you’ for all of the support they have given the Kings throughout the years. There were about 100 corporate partners, Kings players, coaches, broadcasting and corporate partnerships staff. The event was held at Spago in Beverly Hills and featured a special presentation of the meal by Wolfgang Puck. |
Updated April 7 at 10 a.m.
NICK NICKSON KNOWS HIS KINGS
Updated April 5 at 4 p.m.
QUOTES/NOTES FROM THE LOCKER ROOM
(Re: game recap): “That was probably pretty symbolic of the way we played this year. We made a couple of turnovers that ended up costing us. If you look at the game as a whole it was fairly even. We probably had the better chances but we gave up the big chance. Whenever you play a team and don’t make them work for their chances you’re not giving yourself the best opportunity to win.”
(Re: season): “The biggest deficiency was that we had no goaltending in December. We were atrocious. We went through a month where unfortunately the schedule wasn’t good to us. We had 15 games in a month. That’s a bad time to have that facet of your game not be good.”
KINGS FORWARD ANZE KOPITAR
(Re: Positives drawn from this season): “I think the group really got a lot closer. You don’t want to end the season with a loss, but I think it was a good battle today and a good game to watch. We are a big family here, not happy yet, but I’m sure in the future when we make the playoffs we will be.”
(Re: His play this year): “I was kind of scared in the beginning that I wouldn’t play up to last year’s level, but luckily didn’t. I have to thank my teammates for playing hard with me all year. I’m a year older, and in one year you learn a couple of new things, and get a little more experience. I definitely felt comfortable out there on the ice.”
KINGS FORWARD SCOTT THORNTON
(Re: His pending retirement): “I just want to enjoy the time with my teammates. I don’t know, we’ll see what happens; I’ve tried to prepare for it. I still love to play, but I think it’s time.”
KINGS FORWARD DUSTIN BROWN
(Re: Kings future) “I think experience is a huge part of it. If you look at our core group, we all got a year of experience and I think that’s going to pay dividends. This is my first time in this organization where the same key players will be coming back for a third year, and I think that’s a huge part of getting a winning mentality.”
(Re: His play this year) “It was obviously a good year for me, but it was disappointing from a team standpoint. I felt good all year, and I was healthy all year, which is a huge part of being successful.”
(Re: Kings struggles this season) Each individual needs to take accountability. There have been games throughout the year where little things have cost us games. Not chipping the puck in, having turnovers, poor shifts. It’s little things like that which cost us games. It’s all about players taking accountability and coming ready to play every night, which I don’t think was the case for every game, for every player, for every shift. You can look at it two ways: we’re a young team, but at the same time we’re young so we should be excited to play every night.”
DUCKS HEAD COACH RANDY CARLYLE:
(Re: game recap): These are tough games, but they’re tough mentally. We look at this as a test of our mental aspect of our game. You really have to push yourself when games are played that don’t really have any affect on your standings.
(On Joe DiPenta): You could see that the whole bench got a huge lift out of it and it was good for Joe DiPenta. He’s the kind of guy you can sit for extended periods of time but his routine does not change. His preparation and his commitment to his team and teammates will never waiver. It solidifies his position with his teammates and us as coaches. We’ve had Joe for three years and we understand what makes him tick and he’s a professional athlete. He prepares himself day in and day out.
DUCKS GOALIE JEAN-SEBASTIAN GIGUERE:
(Re: game recap): It’s your job to play 82 games a season. We knew that they were going to want to win the last game of the season especially in front of their fans so I expected them to come out hard and they did that. They’re not easy games to play because you basically play for no reason, but you still have to keep up with the good habits and good work ethics. We’re getting ready for the playoffs and that’s why it’s important to have a good work ethic and not get into too bad habits.
(on the Kings): I truly believe they have a pretty good team. They can score some goals. They’re dangerous on the power play. I don’t think they’re that bad and I was expecting them to compete for a playoff spot at the beginning of the year and I’m surprised at where they’re at right now.
DUCKS DEFENSEMAN JOE DIPENTA:
(Re: game recap): It’s great to have the opportunity to play on the back of the line up and you try to make the best of the opportunities when you get them. Whenever I get a goal it’s really kind of surreal for me. It was fun. It always seems to come when I least expect it.
DUCKS RIGHT WING TEEMU SELANNE:
(on the break after tomorrow’s game): I think at this time of the year, every day off is really good for you. I think it’s going to be a good thing. One more left before we relax. These last couple games mean a lot but they also don’t really mean a lot. Obviously down the road you never know how important these points are going to be, but I think it’s too early to think about that. I think right now we still have to finish strong. We have to finish strong and getting [Chris] Pronger back tomorrow is a good thing too. He needs at least one game under his belt before the playoffs.
KINGS NOTES:
- The Kings surpassed last season’s total in the following categories:
Wins: 32 (last season 27)
Points 71 (last season 68)
Home Wins: 17 (last season 16)
Road Wins: 15 (last season 11)
Goals For: 231 (last season 227)
Goals Against: 266 (last season 283) - Today was the 13th sellout of the season. Last season the Kings had nine sellouts…
- Dustin Brown scored his team-leading 33rd goal…
- Anze Kopitar earned an assist, and finished as the team’s leading scorer (32-45=77). He led the Kings with 45 assists…
- Lubomir Visnovsky, who played in his 499th career game today, had an assist. He’s now only eight assists away from passing Steve Duchesne for third all-time among Kings defensemen…
- The Kings finished with four 20-goal scorers (Dustin Brown: 33, Anze Kopitar: 32, Alexander Frolov: 23 and Patrick O’Sullivan: 22)…
- Four Kings played in all 82 games (Anze Kopitar, Patrick O’Sullivan, Lubomir Visnovsky and Michal Handzus)…
Updated April 5 at 3 p.m.
DUCKS TAKE LEAD
Updated April 5 at 2:05 p.m.
NOT SO FAST PART II
Updated April 5 at 2:05 p.m.
NOT SO FAST
Updated April 5 at 2:05 p.m.
WILLSIE GOAL, TIED AT TWO
Updated April 5 at 1:45 p.m.
TWO GOALS IN EIGHT SECONDS...DUCKS 2-KINGS 1
On the face off, the Kings won possession and Jon Klemm had the puck stolen by the Finnish Flash and Selanne put the puck in the net behind Cloutier and it is 2-1 Ducks.
The two goals in eight seconds ties a club record set on Nov. 30, 2003 vs. Phoenix. Also Selanne and this time it was Chris Kunitz who was in on the two goals.
Updated April 5 at 1:30 p.m.
BROWN WITH A GOAL, 1-0 KINGS
Updated April 5 at 1:30 p.m.
2007-2008 KINGS AWARD WINNERS
| AS VOTED BY THE MEDIA | |
| Most Valuable Player “Bill Libby Memorial Award” |
Anze Kopitar |
| Best Newcomer “Mark Bavis Memorial Award” |
Jack Johnson |
| Outstanding Defenseman | Jack Johnson |
| Defensive Player | Patrick O’Sullivan |
| AS VOTED BY THE KINGS PLAYERS | |
| Most Inspirational Player “Ace Bailey Memorial Award” |
Dustin Brown |
| Unsung Hero | Jeff Giuliano |
| AS SELECTED BY THE KINGS CARE FOUNDATION | |
| Community Service | Derek Armstrong |
| AS SELECTED BY THE KINGS BOOSTER CLUB | |
| Most Popular Player | Dustin Brown |
| * Leading Scorer | Anze Kopitar |
Updated April 5 at 1:15 p.m.
STARTERS/SCRATCHES
Kings will scratch Jack Johnson, Kyle Calder, Jason LaBarbera and Daniel Taylor start Peter Harrold and Lubomir Visnovsky with Dustin Brown, Scott Thornton and Anze Kopitar with Dan Cloutier in net.
Today will be the Scott Thornton show as it is widely speculated that this is his last game in the NHL...in fact, during warmups the entire team wore shirts with the logo from each of the teams he has played for, Toronto, Edmonton, Montreal, Dallas, San Jose and Los Angeles.
In addition, Michael McGeough, one of the referees in today's game, will also hang up the skates following the game.
Updated April 3 at 11:15 p.m.
Quotes from the Locker room
(Re: game recap): “We were very deserving of the win tonight. They got the fortunate bounce when Joe Thornton caught our rookie goaltender trying to cheat a little bit and got the one-goal lead. A number of things happened at that point. Erik [Ersberg] really bared down and was great from that point on for the rest of the game. I thought our defense was very stingy tonight and as a team we really checked them into the ground and didn’t give them a lot of chances…. When you get the type of performance where all your players play well, it’s very gratifying to get the victory.”
KINGS GOALTENDER ERIK ERSBERG:
(Re: Game recap) “It felt good to get a win back, especially against this team. They’ve gone 20 games without a loss so it’s good that we could break that streak. It was a fun game. The first goal was kind of my fault so I felt a little bad about that, but I guess it’s better to have that in the first minute than the last minute. You have to look at it like ‘there’s 59 minutes to make up for it’ so that’s how I looked at it.”
KINGS FORWARD ANZE KOPITAR:
(Re: Game recap) “This is kind of a game we want to play to get ready for next season for the big games. I think we all contributed to this result, and we’re happy to get the win.”
(Re: finishing season on a high note) “I think right now we’re playing for the fans. They’ve supported us all season when we didn’t have a very good season. They’ve been so loyal to us, and we’ve got to pay them back with a strong last game. We’re playing against the Ducks too, so it should really be buzzing in the building.”
(Re: Game recap) “We got down pretty quick on the first shift, but we didn’t panic. We knew we had nothing to lose, and that we could play better. We stepped out the gate and outshot them in the first period which really got the crowd in the game. I think we kind of deserved this win. We had a lot of chances that we didn’t put in the back of the net at first, but luckily in the end the bounces went our way.”
SHARKS HEAD COACH RON WILSON:
(Re: game recap) “I suppose it’s not a bad thing, the streak was unbelievable. When you go into games like these you’re looking and seeing if people are capable of getting the job done. We have a lot of guys out and have decisions to make, if everyone’s healthy and rested, it makes it easy.”
SHARKS FORWARD MIKE GRIER:
(Re: unbeaten streak) “It was going to come to an end at some point but it shouldn’t have been like that. We slept through the first two periods, we weren’t charged enough, and we didn’t play with enough intensity to match them. We played better in the third but when it comes down to it they played better and deserved to win.”
SHARKS GOALTENDER EVGENI NABOKOV:
(Re: game recap) “It’s not disappointing; it’s probably good that it happened, that we lost before the playoffs. Sometimes you just need to refocus, that’s what we're going to do to get back on track and get going again.”
KINGS NOTES:
- Anze Kopitar scored two goals and is now tied with Dustin Brown for the club lead with 32 goals overall. He had seven points (4-3=7) in eight games against San Jose this season…
- Raitis Ivanans scored his sixth goal and second in as many games…
- Dustin Brown had two assists and is now only two short of his career high (29 assists last season). He had seven points (3-4=7) in eight games against San Jose this season…
- In the last 30 games the Kings have outscored their opponents 34-20 in the third period…
- The Kings picked up their 17th home win this season; they had 16 last season…
- The Kings earned their 3,000th point in franchise history…
- The Kings finished 4-4-0 against the Sharks this season…
- Marc Crawford is now tied with Columbus’ Ken Hitchcock with 470 career wins, 14th most in NHL history…
Updated April 3 at 10:15 p.m.
Kopitar Goal, Kings Win 4-2
Anze Kopitar converts on the empty net, Kings win, 4-2. It was his second goal of the game and he is now tied for the team lead with Dustin Brown at 32.
Updated April 3 at 9:45 p.m.
Kopitar Goal, Kings Lead 3-2
Anze Kopitar off assists from Dustin Brown and Scott Thornton...Kopitar with his 31st, Kings lead, 3-2, with less than five minutes remaining as the Kings look to snap the Sharks' 20-game streak without a regulation loss.
Updated April 3 at 9:30 p.m.
Little Joe with the Goal, 2-2
Joe Pavelski, AKA Little Joe (Joe Thornton is Big Joe), tallied his 19th of the season and we are tied at two. Patrick Marleau with the first assist and Big Joe with the second. For Thornton it was his 67th assist, which is interesting because entering this season, Thornton was one of three players who have had consecutive 90-assist seasons, joining Wayne Gretzky (12 in a row, 1980-81 through 1991-92) and Mario Lemieux (1987-88 and 1988-89).
Updated April 3 at 9:15 p.m.
Second Period by the Numbers
Two: Goals scored by Kings (Ivanans and Willsie)
Six: Kings had six shots in the period and scored two goals.
Nine: Goals combined by Willsie and Ivanans this season.
Updated April 3 at 8:50 p.m.
The Raitis Way, 2-1 Kings
Raitis scores for the second straight night, pounding home a rebound. Alexander Frolov and Derek Armstrong credited with assists on the play, and we are at 2-1 at 10:24.
Updated April 3 at 8:35 p.m.
Brian Willsie with a goal and we are knotted at one
Brian Willsie scores his third goal of the season off an assist from Michael Cammalleri. Crazy goal, deflected off of many people right to the stick of Willsie, whose shot bounced off Nabakov and into the net.
Updated April 3 at 8:15 p.m.
First Period by the Numbers
One: Goal scored by San Jose, Sharks lead 1-0.
Two: Two Penalties by San Jose, Kings are 0-for-2 on the power play.
Three: Three cookies that I ate in the press box tonight.
Four: Kings have out-shot Sharks by four, 13-9.
Updated April 3 at 7:38 p.m.
Not a bad debut for Cavanagh, 1-0 San Jose
Just 36 seconds into his NHL Debut, Tom Cavanagh got his first point, off an assist on a Joe Thornton goal and guess who, Jeremy Roenick with the second assist and it is 1-0 San Jose.
Updated April 3 at 7:35 p.m.
STARTERS SCRATCHES
With the Red Wings victory earlier this evening, tonight's game means nothing for San Jose as Detroit has locked up the President's Trophy. Perhaps as a result, the Sharks will scratch Christian Ehrhoff, Marcel Goc, Jonathan Cheechoo, Devin Setaguchi, Sandis Ozolinsh, Tomas Plihal and Craig Rivet.
Kings will scratch Jack Johnson (foot), Kyle Calder (finger), Jason LaBarbera (groin) and Dan Cloutier (also groin). San Jose will start Douglas Murray and Brian Campbell - undefeated in regulation as a Shark - Joe Thornton, Kings fans favorite Jeremy Roenick and Tom Cavanagh as the front line...and in a surprise move Evgeni Nabokov will start, as he chases the record for wins by a goalie. It was announced/assumed that he would not start.
Updated April 3 at 7 p.m.
ALEXANDER OVECHKIN MADE MY BOSS HAVE A BAD DAY
Alexander Ovechkin broke Kings President, Business Operations Luc Robitaille's single-season NHL record for most goals by a left wing with his 64th and 65th scores Thursday night to lead the Capitals to a 4-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
"I am very happy that Alex has achieved this accomplishment," Robitaille said. "I love watching him play because he plays not only with heart and passion but with a true love for the game."
Robitaille tallied 63-62=125 in 1992-93 with the Kings. Washington's 4-1 win over Tampa Bay, gave T.B. a 31-41-9 record for 71 points with one game remaining. The Kings sport a 31-42-7 record for 69 with two games remaining, including tonight.
Updated April 2 at 1 p.m.
MY ARGUMENT WITH JIM FOX
Also before practice today, the NHL released the Draft Drawing Information...a weighted system to determine the order of selection for the first 14 picks of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, will take place Monday, April 7, at 8 p.m. ET at the NHL’s New York City office.
Any way, under the weighted system, the club with the fewest regular-season points will have the greatest chance (25%) of winning the Draft Drawing and will pick no lower than second. Based on team finish, the percentage chance of being selected in the Draft Drawing is:
| 30th place team - 25.0% | 23rd place team - 3.6% |
| 29th place team - 18.8% | 22nd place team - 2.7% |
| 28th place team - 14.2% | 21st place team - 2.1% |
| 27th place team - 10.7% | 20th place team - 1.5% |
| 26th place team - 8.1% | 19th place team - 1.1% |
| 25th place team - 6.2% | 18th place team - 0.8% |
| 24th place team - 4.7% | 17th place team - 0.5% |
So what this means...if the Kings finish in 30th place, they have a 25% chance of winning the lottery, but that does not mean the Kings, should they finish 30th, only have a 25% chance of picking first because, according to NHL rules, "No club will move down more than one position as a result of the Draft Drawing."
So the 30th place team will either pick first or second, which to me means a 50% chance of picking first or a 50% chance of picking second, one in two. Jim Fox, as well as the NHL, states it is a 48% chance of picking first. Fox is right, but if you phrase my wording correctly, I am right too.
The Kings have 69 points with just two games to play. Tampa Bay has 71 points, the 29th ranked team, with three games to play.
Updated April 2 at 12:30 p.m.
HEIDI ANDROL WAS NOT FIRED!
Okay, just to clear up a few things, Heidi Androl was not fired from the Kings yesterday, Tuesday, APRIL 1, 2008...APRIL FOOL'S DAY. Heidi is still gainfully employed by the Los Angeles Kings. Androl was, however, fired in our most recent Kings Vision video 700K , the Kings spoof on her Apprentice Days as Luc Robitaille fires Heidi from being the Assistant to the Assistant Equipment Manager ...so those of you who emailed in to LAKings.com - and you know who you are - "You Got Pucked!"
More on Heidi...yesterday, she appeared on Off the Record on TSN...Check out the video here.
Also, have you seen the show Unhitched Sunday on Fox?...Hilarious, first of all...secondly, there was a hockey related clip this weekend, when one of the characters finds a mouse in her house (the hot girl who used to be in NBC's The Office), and one of her friends tries to get rid of said mouse with a broom because he has a "great wrist show and will go top shelf." Anyways, pretty funny. The clip starts at the 4:50 mark, check it out.
Since we are on a video kick, why not check out footage from Everybody Hates Chris, as Willie O'Ree and Kevin Weekes both appeard in this episode about hockey... 700K
