Announcement: Officially On Board!

So I am officially a part of KingsCast! I'm sure everyone who comes here is already intimate with Keith Korneluk and Chris Kaliszewski, the two huge Kings fans who simultaneously love and hate the team at all hours of the day. It took a bit of time for the boys over there to realize they needed some estrogen injected into their musings, but they have wised up and I will be joining their duo. I will still be posting analysis and game recaps here, so please don't abandon the site! I've appreciated everyone coming here and hope that continues indefinitely. Thanks much!

KingsCast: The Podcast for L.A. Kings fans by L.A. Kings Fans is already established as THE place to be for intelligent and thoughtful analysis of the team and its inner workings of the organization as a multi-million dollar business. We offer a slew of podcasts, videos, and tweets and can easily be reached through a number of ways (see below).

We're entering another "fun-filled" season of watching the Kings and their pathetic downfall to the bottom of the standings. But, wait, they may actually make the playoffs this year! So cheers to the good times and tears that will inevitably fall from my eyes with whatever the Kings do.

With that said, here are some handy dandy ways of checking out KingsCast and myself outside of this blog.

Listen to the episodes through iTunes and then go to KingsCast and start discussing!

Of course we're up on Facebook (the coolest place to be).

Twitter us as well!

Overtime videos are up on YouTube where you can actually see me in action with the guys. I think the chemistry is already flowing nicely.

You can follow me on Twitter if you'd like: Connie_Kim. I'm trying to be more active on it, so please follow and encourage the updates! I'll definitely be Twittering at least once during games (especially if I'm at Staples Center).

Email city: KingsCast - kingscast[at]gmail[dot]com
Connie on KingsCast - connie[at]kingscast[dot]net
A Queen Among Kings - aqueenamongkingsblog[at]gmail[dot]com

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Some People Just Can't Help It

When you grow up in a decent-sized town in an extraordinarily small state, receive your higher education from said state, and have been working in the same town for the past 23 years, what's the best way to occupy your dulled senses?

I guess become the mastermind of a prostitution ring. Manchester Monarchs beat writer Kevin Provencher was arrested today on felony charges related to finding financially-desperate women willing to sleep with equally desperate men. The charges state that he derived "income from prostitution." C'mon people, he's a beat writer in a small state. How much could his income be? The man needs to eat!

According to the article, one of the prostitutes allegedly complained about the 65-mile drive from Quincy to Manchester being too long so he did the gentlemanly-pimp thing of moving his operations to Andover, MA (36.5 miles). Well, this proved to be the killing of operations as authorities "could clearly hear activities consistent with sexual intercourse."

Case closed. But where am I going to get my Monarchs news from now?

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Dean Lombardi Is A Genius

I hate double posting, but I can't wait for this one. Jack Johnson was signed to a two-year deal earlier today. The cap hit will be $1.425 for the two years.

Dean Lombardi, I bow down to you.

(Further analysis to come after Teddy Purcell is re-signed.)

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Kings Schedule In Depth

When the Kings schedule was released last year, I spent numerous labor-intensive hours examining and breaking down the schedule. Two days ago the Kings released the 09-10 schedule with a very comprehensive breakdown virtually eliminating any work for me; thanks guys! This season starts out with more promise than a year ago, so I feel I'm looking at the schedule with a different mindset. There are teams that the Kings could easily dominate who weren't so easy to play against last year (Minnesota and possibly San Jose). San Jose had been making zero waves this summer, so I'm not exactly sure with my assessment; all I know is the Kings are stronger now so it'll be interesting to watch.

The following is a quick scan on my part after perusing the schedule:

Oct. Sat. 3 vs. Phoenix (home opener): Talk about the most boring way to begin the season...
Oct. Tues. 6 vs. San Jose: ...Go Rob Blake...
Oct. Sat. 10 @ St. Louis: Start of the longest road trip over 11 days
Oct. Mon. 12 @ Islanders: Will Matt Moulson play??
Oct. Mon. 26 Toronto @ Anaheim: Going to the Pond for this one... will need a women-sized Leafs jersey. Wouldn't that be hysterical if I got Burke on the back of it? Hated him in Anaheim, but like him in Toronto.

Nov. Thurs. 5 vs. Pittsburgh: Sidney Crosby at Staples!
Nov. Mon. 9 @ Chicago: Start of possibly the worst 5-game road trip. CHI, CAR, ATL, TBL, FLA. Zzz..zzzzz....ZZzzZzzzz....
Nov. Wed. 18 @ Philadelphia: Pronger still in orange, yikes.
Nov. Wed. 25 @ Edmonton: Battle versus Moose!

Dec. Thurs. 10 vs. Phoenix: Can't think of a more boring two-game home-stand.
Dec. Sat. 12 vs. Dallas: ...zzz...ZZZzzzzZZzz....

Jan. Sat. 2 vs. Washington: Do you think Ovechkin will try to take a run at Dustin Brown again? Ow, my ear!
Jan. Thurs. 21 vs. Buffalo: End of the longest home-stand at seven games.

Feb. Sat. 13 vs. Colorado: First game against Kyle Quincey! How many tears will Ryan Smyth shed?
Feb. Sun. 14 - Mar. Mon. 1: Olympic Break. Can't say either way if I'm excited yet. I probably will be, but I'll just be hoping the Kings are still in the hunt at this point.

Mar. Sat. 6 vs. Montreal: Kings against the smallest line in the NHL, which includes Michael Cammalleri, bahaha.

Apr. Sat. 10 vs. Edmonton: Last home game of the season; not a bad way to end except if both teams need that last few points to get into the 8-seed.
Apr. Sun 11 @ Colorado: Kings end regular season with a back-to-back, hrm.

Any games that stand out to you? Let me know if I missed something of interest...

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Help Please

So I decided to take a slowdown type of break this summer from the blog and not do the insane Year-In-Reviews I did a year ago. I've enjoyed my time relaxing, but I definitely have a need to write something right now. Here is where you come in.

To my faithful readers: what would you like to read about for my next post? I don't want to do what everyone else is doing; rather, I would like to supplement what is already out there. Gann Matsuda is doing a fantastic job with interviews and the like. Rich Hammond always has something going on. KingsCast is still active over the summer with the Overtime videos.

Please let me know in the comments or email! I would really appreciate a jumpstart of some sort.

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No Coincidence... Really

I swear this is not a plug for the new iPhone. I just wanted to point out the eyebrow raising that this commercial may cause Kings fans.

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Asshole Coming Through

Well, Lombardi finally made a splash tonight after a very quiet Free Agency opening day with many GMs out of their minds signing players to ridiculous contracts. The wait was killer as a Kings fan and finally Darren Dreger (resident favorite of A Queen Among Kings) broke the story via Twitter just a few minutes ago that the Kings had traded for Aves' Ryan Smyth.

Reaction #1: Omg, we got an asshole in the lineup.

Reaction #2: Who in Zeus' jizz did the Kings give up to get Smyth?

Reaction #3: (After reading the trade results) Hahaha!

In the end the Kings gave up a 5th round pick in 2010, D Kyle Quincey, and D Tom Preissing. First off, the 5th round pick is chump change. Secondly, I cannot believe someone took Preissing from us!!

Lombardi, you are awesome.

But, sadly Quincey will be leaving the sunny coast of Los Angeles for the snowbanks of Denver. This is the only part I'm a bit sad about, but we didn't really need him after the signing of Rob Scuderi (Go Deano!) to a 4-year, $13.6 million contract yesterday. Smyth has 3 years remaining on his 5-year contract in Colorado with the cap hit at $6.25 mil. He will make $6.5 mil this season, $5.5 next, and $4.5 in 2011-2012. Quincey was definitely the big piece in this trade and I'm glad that was all the Kings had to give up.

The pieces are falling into place... and jesus christ, Ryan Smyth is a King...

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Douchebaggery

Michael Cammalleri's 5-year, $30 million deal.


Initial reaction:

OH

MY

GOD

THAT

ASSHOLE.

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KingsCast - Episode 12: Post Season Blues

KingsCast is out with another episode (12) titled "Post Season Blues" If you're not aware, I've joined the duo of Keith and Chris hoping to bring some hilarity and spice to the program. Hopefully this podcast helps to take away some of the summer minutes that seem to pile up when the pre-season is off in the distance.

You can go to this link or drop their RSS feed into your iTunes.

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Where Irrationality and Calmness Butt Heads

Calm down everyone. It's just a rumor and will stay a rumor unless something happens on Draft Day in two weeks.

I know you're all bored and need some fodder for the next two weeks, but let's let rationality take over because the rumors are going to begin running rampant from here on out. The Stanley Cup will be awarded tonight and nothing is going on until the Draft, so the brain cells need some action.

Bottom line: Kings fans should first be focused on acquiring a forward, not a defenseman.

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Really? You Think So?

What in Zeus' name is going on here? Trade rumors are rumors because they are founded on the speculation of someone who people will listen to. The problem is, this sometimes leads to ridiculous proposals that don't go anywhere but down the drain. One such writer (Eric Duhatschek) is dreaming up something that would never ever happen. I hate trade rumors, and this one takes some kinda cake. I'll actually talk about this one a little but I'm not even going to address what this would do the Kings salary cap for next season; instead, let's just look at why this would never happen.

[Dany Heatly] as coach Cory Clouston so gently put it – isn’t great defensively; and still has a lot to learn about playing in all three zones. Nor is there much of a physical presence in his game.

Soooo... an established player who disappears in the playoffs and whose coach doesn't think too highly of him. And what are the Senators wanting in return? Assuming they don't want to take back too much salary, a defenseman and a forward who can step into the lineup next season, a prospect or two, and a few picks? So the Kings get one player who would be a top-6 forward while losing at least a different top-6 player and part of the farm? That's a big fat no from yours truly.

The article continues on to state that the Kings should ALSO look into acquiring a one Daniel Briere from the Philadelphia Flyers. Nothing is negatively stated towards Briere (except contract numbers, which we are not discussing), but what would the Kings have to give up for the guy? Briere actually shows up in the playoffs, so ... maybe two or three roster players, a few prospects, and at least two picks?

So the Kings would acquire two players and lose (potentially) 3-4 roster players, 3-4 prospects, and 4-6 picks. Let's just file this back into fantasy land, mmkay?


UPDATE [12:30 pm PST]: Hahahaha, move along.

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Another Candle!

(Flickr)

Just taking a quick moment to wish myself and all those other June 8 babies a happy birthday!

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Business As Usual

I went to my mailbox yesterday and found something hilariously awesome from the Kings. I am the proud owner (along with all of the other season ticket holders) of a Kings hockey puck that is actually a business card holder. I don't have my camera available at this point in time to take a picture, but I shall eventually and post it up when I can.

It's a little silly but pretty cool to get a trinket from the marketing team in the off season. Something to tide the masses over until Draft day arrives. I'll be doing some sort of analysis of what I think the Kings are going to be doing. I also have thoughts on other things as well; I just haven't had the time nor the energy to post regularly during the playoffs. I'm slacking, I know, but I'll get back on the horse soon enough!

Stay tuned, folks!

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KingsCast - Overtime Episode 4

BEHIND THE SCENES

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KingsCast - Overtime Episode 3

What do Kings fans do in the off season?

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KingsCast - Episode 11: 3rd Annual Season Finale

The 11th episode of KingsCast is out! Have a listen at KingsCast.net and please leave a comment on the popular facebook page! The infamous duo has been working hard for the past three seasons bringing Kings fans podcasts with a sarcastic edge. For example, if you've been in a scoring slump, you're going to hear about it with "helpful" suggestions for getting out of it.

Recently the duo has become a trifecta with an added member. That's right, folks. I charged my way into their studio hoping I'd be welcome. You can see for yourself if I actually accomplished that. Please do and let me know!

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Insanity

In the Slovakia vs. Czech Republic game during the 2009 IIHF World Championship, Tomas Surovy swung his stick and hit his own goalie as if he was in a T-ball game. What makes this more unbelievable is that the goalie was JAROSLAV HALAK, GOALIE FOR THE MONTREAL CANADIENS!!!! I'm sorry, Tomas, but don't take your frustrations out on the relief goalie who currently plays in the best league in the world.

I'm curious as to why Halak wasn't the starter for Slovakia. Starter Lasek let in 6 goals before the Slovakian coach pulled him for Halak. This video has just flusttered me to the point of silence, and I don't have time to verbally kick Surovy's ass. Not really surprising, but news stories on the game and the IIHF website have virtually no mention of this incident. This would have brought one of the largest suspensions if it had occurred in the NHL, and if I were Halak, I'd request to leave the club and tournament.

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KingsCast - Overtime - Promo 1

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San Jose Sharks In The Playoffs

(Getty Images/Stephen Dunn)

Choke Artists

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Thanks, NHL Media

So the NHL media dudes voted and Drew Doughty was not included in the Rookie Of The Year balloting. The three who were chosen were Steve Mason of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks, and Kris Versteeg of the Chicago Blackhawks. Now I'm not insanely annoyed at this travesty, but I am curious to know where he ranked overall. I'm sure Doughty would have been recognized had he been playing in a big hockey market in the West or just in the East or, at least, been talked about more. It is disappointing that he didn't get national recognition but we Kings fans know just how awesome he is. When you're a difference maker on a game-to-game basis, knowing that you're gonna be around for many years to come is all I really need.

Thanks Donuts!

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Classy

You stay classy, Cammy.

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End Of Season Note

For some reason I have been neglecting the blog; not because I wanted to, but more because I just didn't have anything interesting to bring to the Kings discussion table. They finished out their season with a road swing through Western Canada predictably losing to the Vancouver Canucks and Calgary Flames and beating the Edmonton Oilers. The season ended with little fanfare on the road, but the last home game against the San Jose Sharks was the most exciting game in recent memory. It ended in a 4-3 win with the Kings not allowing themselves to be pushed around by the President's Trophy winner. Staples Center was electric and free giveaways handed out were plentiful. Kings merch sold in the TeamLA store at 50% off, so I picked up an awesome Anze Kopitar shirt for my cousin's baby.

The NHL Lottery was last night and the Kings will be picking 5th overall. I'm not expecting a top prospect for the draft since we really couldn't afford another high end player, but it's a comfortable feeling knowing there could be an NHL-ready player joining the roster next season who will be playing in the top 6 of forwards (maybe even in the top 3). Depending on who the player will be coming in, there could be a lot of interest in the Kings in the next few months...

Please check back periodically as I promise this blog won't be dead over the summer!

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Kings World Podcast - Ep 1.33

This is the last episode before the end of the regular season and Marie and I take a gander at how the last two weeks have spanned for the Kings. Not surprisingly the team did not do so well after suffering injuries and playing in hodge podge lines. We also discuss the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy selections for the Pacific Division, touch on Jarret Stoll’s contribution in the faceoff circle, and wonder which teams will make the playoffs and which will suffer with the rest of the bottom feeders. Please listen and enjoy!

We welcome any and all feedback! Please direct any questions, comments, or thoughts to kingsworldpodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

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Good Times: Kings 6, Coyotes 1

I was pretty unexcited to watch this game against the Phoenix Coyotes, but I was glad I was watching this game rather than the contest between the Tampa Bay Lightening and New York Islanders. This win definitely renewed some hope that the Kings aren't completely sucking balls. Both Alexander Frolov and Brian Boyle had two-goal nights with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams getting one each. I must say, Boyle had a very productive night: 11:11 of TOI, 2 goals, was a +2, and received a double minor. Frolov was just in the right place and the right times, I heart him.

This game saw a lot of interesting penalties. Out of the 21 total, here are three noteworthy instances:

• Matching cross checking penalties (Michal Handzus and Zbynek Michalek). With the scuffle drawing the whistle, I was surprised that cross checking penalties were called. Weird.
  
• Matching double minor roughing penalties (Shane Doan and Brian Boyle). Just some good ole punching each other in the face.
  
• The one that was the most questionable was the altercation involving Denis Gauthier and Scottie Upshall. Gauthier put Upshall into the boards and Gauts received a boarding penalty while Upshall got a slashing penalty. I haven't seen commentary on the hit, but I really didn't think a boarding call was warranted. So following the hit, a Coyote player started to jaw at Gauthier so obviously Gauts was going to defend himself. Lo and behold, Gauthier threw his stick to the ice and took off his helmet and the Coyote player skated away.

WHAT. A. PUNK.

Really? You're just gonna walk away like that? Honestly, when both teams aren't playing for playoffs spots and your team is down 6-1, you should just be a man and throw down. That was a chicken move and he heard it from the crowd. Gauthier ended up receiving a 5-minute unsportsmanlike penalty and a 10-minute misconduct on top of the 2 minutes for boarding. Weak sauce. So the Kings have four games left with three on the road in Western Canada and the last home game of the season against the San Jose Sharks.

Wooo...

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R.I.P.: Coyotes 2, Kings 1

Well with five games left in the 2008-09 season, the Kings are finished and all I can say is, "It's about time." They've been floundering their existences away by playing in games they knew they didn't have the stamina to win. I'm not exactly able to pin point at exactly when the season was basically over, but I can guesstimate. In my own opinion, the season was toast around the time the Kings played the Boston Bruins. It was the beginning of a long roadtrip and the toll they took from the season didn't help at all. I guess one could question whether or not fitness actually played a role in their downfall. Ron Wilson said he was surprised at how not in shape the Toronto Maple Leafs were when he joined the team last summer. I figure if it could happen there, there's no reason why it couldn't happen in LA.

The fact that players are out with injuries (Alexander Frolov, Jarret Stoll) or fixing injuries (Kyle Quincey) and that management has brought in players (John Zeiler, Oscar Moller, Brian Boyle) to form a hodge podge roster every game isn't very faith-inducing. I don't even know who's playing center or left wing on any given line anymore. The hockey is terrible and it's not like they're playing opponents who are playing great hockey themselves. I'm not that excited to go to the Kings home game tomorrow but it's the second to last game at Staples Center and I'll make a half-assed attempt to milk it for all it's worth. I'm trying to think of an opponent that is more unexciting than the Phoenix Coyotes, but I really can't. It's bad enough that the Kings played them yesterday, but to have to play a home-and-home is wack. (My apologies to any Coyotes fan who has found his or her way over here.) Perhaps I'll have the desire to write something more on the game tomorrow, but this is all I got today.

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