For fans that have only been following the Kings since their move downtown to Staples Center, today's game doesn't mean much. It's just one of those annoying Saturday afternoon games. For long time fans, a game versus the Flames stirs emotions from nearly 20 years ago when Calgary vs Los Angeles was a game that everybody circled on their calendar.
After the Kings traded for Gretzky in '88 things really started to heat up - even though Calgary fans already had issues with the Great One from his days in Edmonton and the scars left by The Battle of Alberta games. Once the playoffs rolled around after Wayne's first season in LA...well, it was on. The Kings were fresh off their first round win over the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Oilers, in 7 games. Unfortunately, the Kings lost to Calgary in the second round that year - while the Flames went on to win the Cup.
With a rivalry now in full swing it was inevitable the two teams would meet again in the playoffs the following year. Once again, the Kings defeated the reigning Stanley Cup Champions in the playoffs, dispatching the Flames and any thoughts they had of a repeat run. Perhaps even more memorable was Mike Krushelnyski's overtime goal in game six. It's one of those goals that will replayed forever...
The Kings went on to win the Smythe Division in 1990-91 and then made their own run to the Cup finals in '92-93. Along the way there were plenty of other memorable games vs the Flames, with lots of penalties...and some fines and suspensions too. There was the game where the penalty boxes were so full that Sandstorm had to sit on Luc's lap. In March of '91 Kings coach Tom Webster was suspended 4 games for an altercation with the Flames' Doug Gilmour. But, he was just getting warmed up. The following season Webster was suspended again, this time for 12 games, and fined $10k for throwing a stick at referee Kerry Fraser.
Then, there were the players. Long before there was ever a Sean Avery, there was the original pest - a diminutive man in height with a heart and drive like no other. Theo Fleury was the guy that everybody loved to hate. And then hate some more. If you went to those games at the Forum, you have to remember the lady that sat near the penalty box with her cowbell. If only she could have suited up for a game or two.
Today the Flames arrive in town with two of the best defenseman in the league - Jay Bouwmeester and Dion Phaneuf. That's a blue line tandem the likes of which the Kings hope to repeat themselves in a few years with Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty.
Lastly, let's not forget Olli Jokinen. In 1997 he was the Kings first round draft pick and supposedly the future of the franchise. Just two years later - with the Kings about to move into Staples Center - he was sent packing for Ziggy Palfy. At the trade deadline last year Jokinen was again on the move, this time from Phoenix to Calgary.
Plenty of memories between two teams that are searching for a return to the playoffs this season. Perhaps come Spring, they'll meet again.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Hextall on NHL Live
Kings Vice Presidnet and Assistant General Manager Ron Hextall joined NHL Live hosts EJ Hradek and Deb Placey for about 15 minutes this morning. Given all the jokes about the Kings becoming the Flyers West (see yesterday's article), it was a little comical when they introduced him as an executive of the Flyers. Oops!
Below are the other highlights:
* Dave Tippett told EJ that Hex liked to talk during the games, sometimes even announcing the game while in goal. Ron said he tried to talk to his forwards and defenseman as much as possible. They always use to say 'make ears eyes'. Any advantage you can get you want to use it.
* At the recent GM meetings there was a lot of talk about goaltenders playing the puck and the area they can move around in. Ron said: "I don't prefer the trapezoid. However, it's a happy medium to not letting goalies play the puck at all. The idea is to create the forecheck. Yet, it exposes your defenseman against hard hits. So, there are two things I dont like about it - no interference, plus the trapezoid where the goalie cant go out and move it in the corners. I'm also not sold that it creates the forecheck. Smart dump ins by players are underrated. I'm not sure coaches stress them enough. Cross corner dumps or soft dumps, I'm not sure players do it right. I would take it out if given a vote, but it wouldn't be one of the first issues I would go after."
* Re: Jonathan Quick - He's very athletic, a good kid. We fast tracked him last year and he did a good job for us. This year he has been inconsistent. He's played a lot of games this year and will continue to do so. He's our guy. He has a chance to be a top 10 goalie, we're very excited about him.
* Re: Frolov - We want to see more urgency in his game, he needs to step it up. On a lot of nights we want to see more from him. He's a very good hockey player, could be great if he'd improve his consistency. We've made no secret about wanting more from him.
* You scored a goal against the Bruins and you used to play for the Flyers. Any thoughts on the Winter Classic? Well, not a lot has changed; both are big strong physical teams. The guts of the organization haven't changed and the identity of the teams haven't changed. Quite frankly, that's the kind of team I prefer. I think that's how you win and go far in the playoffs, with teams like that. It's going to be a great game.
* How about the Kings in a Winter Classic? That would be great. They was an outdoor game in Vegas many years ago with the Kings. (note: I wonder if he knew the NHL Network is replaying that game several times next weekend, nice plug Ron)
* Talk about the battle for positioning in the Western Conference: It's going to a battle all the way to the end for sure. You see teams like Vancouver, Nashville - even St Louis, Edmonton - you expect them to pick it up beyond even where they've been so far. It's going to be a battle all the way to the end. Even Anaheim will get it going at some point and they'll be in the mix. That whole theory of the playoffs starting the first day of the season, I'm not so sure it's not true anymore.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Below are the other highlights:
* Dave Tippett told EJ that Hex liked to talk during the games, sometimes even announcing the game while in goal. Ron said he tried to talk to his forwards and defenseman as much as possible. They always use to say 'make ears eyes'. Any advantage you can get you want to use it.
* At the recent GM meetings there was a lot of talk about goaltenders playing the puck and the area they can move around in. Ron said: "I don't prefer the trapezoid. However, it's a happy medium to not letting goalies play the puck at all. The idea is to create the forecheck. Yet, it exposes your defenseman against hard hits. So, there are two things I dont like about it - no interference, plus the trapezoid where the goalie cant go out and move it in the corners. I'm also not sold that it creates the forecheck. Smart dump ins by players are underrated. I'm not sure coaches stress them enough. Cross corner dumps or soft dumps, I'm not sure players do it right. I would take it out if given a vote, but it wouldn't be one of the first issues I would go after."
* Re: Jonathan Quick - He's very athletic, a good kid. We fast tracked him last year and he did a good job for us. This year he has been inconsistent. He's played a lot of games this year and will continue to do so. He's our guy. He has a chance to be a top 10 goalie, we're very excited about him.
* Re: Frolov - We want to see more urgency in his game, he needs to step it up. On a lot of nights we want to see more from him. He's a very good hockey player, could be great if he'd improve his consistency. We've made no secret about wanting more from him.
* You scored a goal against the Bruins and you used to play for the Flyers. Any thoughts on the Winter Classic? Well, not a lot has changed; both are big strong physical teams. The guts of the organization haven't changed and the identity of the teams haven't changed. Quite frankly, that's the kind of team I prefer. I think that's how you win and go far in the playoffs, with teams like that. It's going to be a great game.
* How about the Kings in a Winter Classic? That would be great. They was an outdoor game in Vegas many years ago with the Kings. (note: I wonder if he knew the NHL Network is replaying that game several times next weekend, nice plug Ron)
* Talk about the battle for positioning in the Western Conference: It's going to a battle all the way to the end for sure. You see teams like Vancouver, Nashville - even St Louis, Edmonton - you expect them to pick it up beyond even where they've been so far. It's going to be a battle all the way to the end. Even Anaheim will get it going at some point and they'll be in the mix. That whole theory of the playoffs starting the first day of the season, I'm not so sure it's not true anymore.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Philly East vs Philly West?
In the early 90s the big joke was how the Kings had become Edmonton south. Of course you had Gretzky; but then came Kurri, Coffey and a gang of others. Heck, Grant Fuhr even stopped by for a cup of coffee.
More recently the jokes have turned into Philadelphia west given Dean Lombardi and Terry Murray's links to their former team. So with the Flyers in town tonight to take on the Kings this is another of those "big games" early in the season.
Here's seven things you should know before the puck drops at 7:30...
* Dieter Ruehle is doing the National Anthem. I'm not sure if they couldn't find a singer for tonight or they just wanted to push his name out there to remind long time fans of the Fabulous Forum days. Either way, sounds good.
* The Kings and Flyers have been rumored to be trade partners a few times in recent months - and for good reason. Yet, if there was any type of player swap to occur this season the one guy that sure would be PERFECT for the Kings is Scott Hartnell. There aren't too many guys like him in the league.
* On paper, these are two pretty evenly matched teams. When scoring first Philly is 11-2-1, the Kings are 10-2-2. When leading after two periods the Flyers are 10-0-1, the Kings 8-0-0. In OT the Flyers are 3-1, the Kings 3-2. In November the Flyers are 5-1-0 (10 points), the Kings are 5-3-0 (10 points).
* You want balance - look at the Flyers shot totals by period: First 189, Second 183, Third 188. LA continues to take the majority of their shots in the second, their fewest in the third.
* The difference in this game will likely be the power play. The Kings PK has been dismal this year to say the least. They rank 27th overall and 28th at home. Meanwhile, the Flyers power play is first overall, 9th on the road. For the Kings to win they need to stay out of the box and/or have strong kills if they take any penalties.
* With Ryan Smyth out for the next month there will be several line-up changes tonight. The Flyers will provide a big test for the revamped Kings. Keep on Kopitar. LA needs his production to continue, even without his linemate and BFF.
* While the Flyers are no longer the bruisers they once were, three different players each have three or more fighting majors this season. Who leads the team with six? Ian Laperriere, the former Kings fan favorite. It would be a little surprising if he dropped the gloves tonight though. He tends not to do that when playing the Kings the last few years. We shall see.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
More recently the jokes have turned into Philadelphia west given Dean Lombardi and Terry Murray's links to their former team. So with the Flyers in town tonight to take on the Kings this is another of those "big games" early in the season.
Here's seven things you should know before the puck drops at 7:30...
* Dieter Ruehle is doing the National Anthem. I'm not sure if they couldn't find a singer for tonight or they just wanted to push his name out there to remind long time fans of the Fabulous Forum days. Either way, sounds good.
* The Kings and Flyers have been rumored to be trade partners a few times in recent months - and for good reason. Yet, if there was any type of player swap to occur this season the one guy that sure would be PERFECT for the Kings is Scott Hartnell. There aren't too many guys like him in the league.
* On paper, these are two pretty evenly matched teams. When scoring first Philly is 11-2-1, the Kings are 10-2-2. When leading after two periods the Flyers are 10-0-1, the Kings 8-0-0. In OT the Flyers are 3-1, the Kings 3-2. In November the Flyers are 5-1-0 (10 points), the Kings are 5-3-0 (10 points).
* You want balance - look at the Flyers shot totals by period: First 189, Second 183, Third 188. LA continues to take the majority of their shots in the second, their fewest in the third.
* The difference in this game will likely be the power play. The Kings PK has been dismal this year to say the least. They rank 27th overall and 28th at home. Meanwhile, the Flyers power play is first overall, 9th on the road. For the Kings to win they need to stay out of the box and/or have strong kills if they take any penalties.
* With Ryan Smyth out for the next month there will be several line-up changes tonight. The Flyers will provide a big test for the revamped Kings. Keep on Kopitar. LA needs his production to continue, even without his linemate and BFF.* While the Flyers are no longer the bruisers they once were, three different players each have three or more fighting majors this season. Who leads the team with six? Ian Laperriere, the former Kings fan favorite. It would be a little surprising if he dropped the gloves tonight though. He tends not to do that when playing the Kings the last few years. We shall see.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Hugging the Post w/ Kelly Hrudey
Goaltending has historically been one of the weakest parts of the Los Angeles Kings. Current GM, Dean Lombardi, has often talked about the need to build a team from the net out. Hence, the organization's current focus on developing goaltenders.
After Rogie Vachon left the team in '78 it's been a revolving door of netminders for most of the past 30 years, with a few exceptions. Since the Gretzky trade in '88 Kelly Hrudey has been one of the lone bright spots in the crease. He's the guy that fans point to when asked about the last time the Kings had a great goalie.
Kelly played in LA for eight years, including the run to the Finals in '93. These days he keeps up with the NHL through his work at the CBC in Canada. We sat down with him recently to look back at his career and a few other hockey related topics...
You grew up in Edmonton and the Oilers came to town as part of the WHA when you were fairly young. Was that your team growing up?
I certainly was a fan of the Oilers. But I was a die hard fan of the Canadians and the Leafs. The NHL was the real game to me. Although the WHA was important, as it allowed me to see many games in person - I thought the real stars were the guys in the NHL.
The draft is always a special time in a player's career. Yet, the draft wasn't the big deal back then that it is now. What memories do you have?
Well we weren't a sports family, so we didn't know a lot about the draft. I was in my second year with Medicine Hat. I'd been told I might be drafted around the third round. Like you said, there was little fan fare associated with the draft. If you were a first rounder, maybe you would go. But, I was home in Edmonton, playing ball hockey downstairs with my brother when Jimmy Devellano (Islanders scout) called and said I was drafted by the Islanders in the second round. I had no idea what to expect from that point forward. It was a short call, I remember that. He had other things to do. So, when we hung up I went back downstairs and finished playing ball hockey.
I was lucky enough to go to training camp the following season. I even played in an exhibition game at old Chicago Stadium. That was certainly a thrill for me at that point. But, what I remember most was the flight home. We flew commercial and I sat in the middle, between Mike Bossy and Brian Trottier. I don't think I said one word the entire flight, I just listened.
Any other memories from that first camp?
I remember landing at LaGuardia the first time. a shuttle bus picked me up and it felt like we made 25 stops dropping other people off at their residences before I finally got to the Holiday Inn...I think it was in Hempstead. That night I was really intense, I knew I had to go take a physical for the Islanders the next day and didn't know exactly what to expect.
I also remember thinking very early on in training camp that I had a lot of work to do to make it to the NHL. There was one play, where Tom Lysiak came down the wing and scored on me. It was so easy for him he didn't even want to raise his hands and celebrate. It was more like he was embarrassed how easy it was. Things like that really showed me how far I had to go.
For Islander fans probably the greatest memory they have of you is the '87 playoff game with four overtime periods. That game, the Easter Epic, has been called by some the greatest game 7 of all time. What memories do you have of that night?
Well, in the locker room between periods we were pretty loose. There wasn't much talk about strategy. We were proud of the game we were playing and felt things were going well, even if the score was tied. We kept telling each other to relax, don't get too excited and be prepared for the first two minutes of the period and the last two minutes of the period. I remember after Pat scored I stood in the crease for what seemed like a few minutes in disbelief. I didn't want to mentally let down for fear they might say the goal was disallowed or something. It was a good 5 seconds or so until it finally set in. Then, when I went into the dressing room - you know the goaltenders weren't allowed to have water bottles back in '87 - so when I took my gear off my toes just curled under from dehydration.
Any other memories of your time on the Island?
My fondest memory is probably when Bill Torrey told me I had made the NHL. When I was a kid playing ball hockey, watching Hockey Night in Canada and all the NHL games, I never would have dreamed I had what it would take to make it the NHL.
The pivotal point in your career was the trade to LA. Can you talk about finding out you were headed to the West Coast?
Well, I have different feelings now than I did at the time, 20 years ago. I was disappointed to be traded to LA. I was like every player, I thought I was going to be drafted by a team, play there for 20 years, win championships and then retire...all with one team. Like Steve Yzerman did. It didn't work out that way for me.
But LA was exciting. It felt more like my team. In New York I had my good friend Billy Smith. In LA I felt like it was my team though. And the city was fantastic! I feel the biggest growth period of my life were the 10 years in LA. I just loved the people. Believe it or not, it reminded me a lot of western Canada where the people are so laid back. It was a great time for me on and off the ice.
The Kings won the Smythe Division in '91 with a very powerful team. How close was that group to going all the way?
I thought we were real close. We just didn't know how to win. The Oilers had so much experience and they just knew how to win. Every time we ran into those guys, it just seemed like we didn't have enough to beat them. Tom Webster coming on as our coach added a defensive element to our game. But, still, we just couldn't beat Edmonton. I really believed if we could just beat those guys we would have won a championship. We'll never know though.
In the first half of '93 Wayne was hurt, yet the team played well without him...
We knew it would be a real challenge without him. You can ask players to rise up in a situation like that, but fact is you're not as good of a team without Wayne. Everybody did pick up their game though and played to their highest level. That was very rewarding for the group. Unfortunately, soon after that was also when I went through the worst slump of my career.
You mentioned that at HockeyFest. How did you get though it?
Well it was late November, early December and I went on about a two month slide. It was the worst slump of my career. I made it through that dark period because of two people in my corner...and I tell them 'thank you' whenever I get a chance...Cap Raeder and Barry Melrose. I was able to play five more years in the league because of their support during that stretch.
Robb Stauber played pretty well that year. Was that adding pressure to what you were already going through?
Robb deserved to be in there. I remember when I knew I was going to be OK though. It was a game on January 28th. I played my best game in awhile. We lost to Calgary 2-1, but I felt like I was back. I had a few bad games down the stretch, but then there was a game where we beat Philly 3-1 in March. That's when I knew I was going to be OK. I wasn't 100%, but when we won I was real emotional in the locker room. I thanked all the guys for sticking with me becuase they could have easily given up on me.
But Robb had played so strong he deserved the action he was getting too.
When Stauber replaced you in the playoffs he won three in a row against Calgary. Did you start to worry, did it mess with your head at all after what you had been through that season?
Well we started the playoffs against Calgary. We were awesome in game one. Then, awful in game two. We lost game three, but neither team looked like world beaters. We were down 2-1 in the series. Robb played in game four and we won 2-1 to even the series. Barry stuck with Robb in games five and six; one them was like an 8-5 shootout. He won the series, so he got the start in game one against Vancouver...and rightfully so. We lost that first game. I think it was an afternoon game. Immediately following the game Barry called me into his office and told me I was going to start game two. Fortunately, we had a couple days off until game two so I had plenty of time to prepare for them.
I felt that was really when we got on track. To me that was the best series we ever played. Personally I felt that Vancouver was on the cusp of something at the time. And I guess I was right, they went to the Stanley Cup finals the next year. But at the time, that was a real test for us. The Toronto series was different. The intensity was the same, but our level of play started to drop. I think the travel was starting to get to us.
It's easy for people to heap praise on Melrose now, but what were you thinking at the time he was announced as the new coach? Here was a team that was damn close the previous two years - including winning the Smythe - and they just hired a rookie head coach. Were you nervous about that hiring?
Well, I was established in LA by that point, so I wasn't too worried. Of course, I wanted to make a good first impression on my new coach. But, I was lucky to have Cap Raeder. As time went on I think I endeared myself to Barry. The slump I mentioned took our relationship to the next level. I wish all players could have a guy like Barry around them. Like an Al Arbour. It's such a good feeling when you go home after practice or a game and that's your coach.
You've talked about the frank conversation Dean had with you during your time in San Jose. Talk about going to play for the Sharks.
I knew I was leaving LA that summer, but prior to July 1st I was unsure where I was going to end up. I hit it off with Dean right when I met him. I remember my agent calling me and saying the Sharks wanted to meet with me. The following Friday my wife Donna and I flew into SFO with our daughters. Dean and (assistant GM) Wayne Thomas were there at the airport when we landed. I knew at that moment I was signing with the Sharks. It was one thing that Dean was at the airport to pick us up. But more importantly, he had brought a bunch of Sharks memorabilia for my girls. To bring gifts for my kids, I knew that was the type of guy I wanted to play for.
The next day though when we actually had our meeting he asked me two questions that have always stayed with me. First question he asked was "Why do I want to sign a 35 year old goalie who wants to be a broadcaster?" Then he asked me "Why did the Kings trade for Grant Fuhr when they had you?" They weren't hurtful questions. He just spoke honestly and I had so much respect for him because of it.
That's why later it didn't bother me when he called me into his office and said "Kelly you look scared to play." He was right and I knew my career was about done.
Looking back on your career, you finished with 271 wins. Do you think about being so close to the magical 300 number?
No. Not at all. I don't live that way. I did as best as I could and I loved playing the game of hockey. I wasn't lackadaisical and got a ton out of my career. I approached every game the same way. I thought I was better than the other guy. That's what I told myself when I looked down at the other end of the ice.
Let's talk about the current team. Who is your favorite Kings player right now?
Dustin Brown. He's a pure hockey player and as fierce of a competitor as you'll ever find. Plus, I was real impressed with his speech at HockeyFest. At that age, to speak so clearly about that moment on the plane...and with no notes...very impressive.
From your perspective, who is the most underrated player in the game right now?
Duncan Keith in Chicago. Or coming into the season I might have said (Wojtek) Wolski of the Avs.
Here's what I look for - we're all memorized by talent...but, I look for elite thinkers. There are only five or six guys like this on each team. Kurri was like that on the Kings. He understood the game way more than most guys.
Then, how about when you were playing - who were some of the most underrated guys you played with?
Tim Watters, Charlie Huddey, Steve Konroyd, Pat Conacher, Todd Gill, Tony Granato. Those are guys that all competed every night and gave everything of their body. Todd Gill was a mediocre, skinny player but he was tough and communicated exceptionally well. Very underrated.
You mentioned valuing elite thinkers and then when listing underrated players most of those guys you rattled off have gone into coaching. Do you think there is a coincidence there?
Wow. I never thought about that. Hmm.
Thanks Kelly. Hope to see you back in LA for more Alumni events moving forward. Best of luck with the broadcasting.
Kelly Hrudey wore #32 while minding net for the Kings. Now, LA has another goalie wearing the same number - Jonathan Quick. Perhaps, the coincidences don't stop there.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
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NOTE: If you missed our article with Hrudey last month, click here for his thoughts on the other teams in the West, plus which players he would take if starting his own NHL franchise.
After Rogie Vachon left the team in '78 it's been a revolving door of netminders for most of the past 30 years, with a few exceptions. Since the Gretzky trade in '88 Kelly Hrudey has been one of the lone bright spots in the crease. He's the guy that fans point to when asked about the last time the Kings had a great goalie.
Kelly played in LA for eight years, including the run to the Finals in '93. These days he keeps up with the NHL through his work at the CBC in Canada. We sat down with him recently to look back at his career and a few other hockey related topics...
You grew up in Edmonton and the Oilers came to town as part of the WHA when you were fairly young. Was that your team growing up?I certainly was a fan of the Oilers. But I was a die hard fan of the Canadians and the Leafs. The NHL was the real game to me. Although the WHA was important, as it allowed me to see many games in person - I thought the real stars were the guys in the NHL.
The draft is always a special time in a player's career. Yet, the draft wasn't the big deal back then that it is now. What memories do you have?
Well we weren't a sports family, so we didn't know a lot about the draft. I was in my second year with Medicine Hat. I'd been told I might be drafted around the third round. Like you said, there was little fan fare associated with the draft. If you were a first rounder, maybe you would go. But, I was home in Edmonton, playing ball hockey downstairs with my brother when Jimmy Devellano (Islanders scout) called and said I was drafted by the Islanders in the second round. I had no idea what to expect from that point forward. It was a short call, I remember that. He had other things to do. So, when we hung up I went back downstairs and finished playing ball hockey.
I was lucky enough to go to training camp the following season. I even played in an exhibition game at old Chicago Stadium. That was certainly a thrill for me at that point. But, what I remember most was the flight home. We flew commercial and I sat in the middle, between Mike Bossy and Brian Trottier. I don't think I said one word the entire flight, I just listened.
Any other memories from that first camp?
I remember landing at LaGuardia the first time. a shuttle bus picked me up and it felt like we made 25 stops dropping other people off at their residences before I finally got to the Holiday Inn...I think it was in Hempstead. That night I was really intense, I knew I had to go take a physical for the Islanders the next day and didn't know exactly what to expect.
I also remember thinking very early on in training camp that I had a lot of work to do to make it to the NHL. There was one play, where Tom Lysiak came down the wing and scored on me. It was so easy for him he didn't even want to raise his hands and celebrate. It was more like he was embarrassed how easy it was. Things like that really showed me how far I had to go.
For Islander fans probably the greatest memory they have of you is the '87 playoff game with four overtime periods. That game, the Easter Epic, has been called by some the greatest game 7 of all time. What memories do you have of that night?
Well, in the locker room between periods we were pretty loose. There wasn't much talk about strategy. We were proud of the game we were playing and felt things were going well, even if the score was tied. We kept telling each other to relax, don't get too excited and be prepared for the first two minutes of the period and the last two minutes of the period. I remember after Pat scored I stood in the crease for what seemed like a few minutes in disbelief. I didn't want to mentally let down for fear they might say the goal was disallowed or something. It was a good 5 seconds or so until it finally set in. Then, when I went into the dressing room - you know the goaltenders weren't allowed to have water bottles back in '87 - so when I took my gear off my toes just curled under from dehydration.
Any other memories of your time on the Island?
My fondest memory is probably when Bill Torrey told me I had made the NHL. When I was a kid playing ball hockey, watching Hockey Night in Canada and all the NHL games, I never would have dreamed I had what it would take to make it the NHL.
The pivotal point in your career was the trade to LA. Can you talk about finding out you were headed to the West Coast?
Well, I have different feelings now than I did at the time, 20 years ago. I was disappointed to be traded to LA. I was like every player, I thought I was going to be drafted by a team, play there for 20 years, win championships and then retire...all with one team. Like Steve Yzerman did. It didn't work out that way for me.
But LA was exciting. It felt more like my team. In New York I had my good friend Billy Smith. In LA I felt like it was my team though. And the city was fantastic! I feel the biggest growth period of my life were the 10 years in LA. I just loved the people. Believe it or not, it reminded me a lot of western Canada where the people are so laid back. It was a great time for me on and off the ice.
The Kings won the Smythe Division in '91 with a very powerful team. How close was that group to going all the way?
I thought we were real close. We just didn't know how to win. The Oilers had so much experience and they just knew how to win. Every time we ran into those guys, it just seemed like we didn't have enough to beat them. Tom Webster coming on as our coach added a defensive element to our game. But, still, we just couldn't beat Edmonton. I really believed if we could just beat those guys we would have won a championship. We'll never know though.
In the first half of '93 Wayne was hurt, yet the team played well without him...
We knew it would be a real challenge without him. You can ask players to rise up in a situation like that, but fact is you're not as good of a team without Wayne. Everybody did pick up their game though and played to their highest level. That was very rewarding for the group. Unfortunately, soon after that was also when I went through the worst slump of my career.
You mentioned that at HockeyFest. How did you get though it?
Well it was late November, early December and I went on about a two month slide. It was the worst slump of my career. I made it through that dark period because of two people in my corner...and I tell them 'thank you' whenever I get a chance...Cap Raeder and Barry Melrose. I was able to play five more years in the league because of their support during that stretch.
Robb Stauber played pretty well that year. Was that adding pressure to what you were already going through?
Robb deserved to be in there. I remember when I knew I was going to be OK though. It was a game on January 28th. I played my best game in awhile. We lost to Calgary 2-1, but I felt like I was back. I had a few bad games down the stretch, but then there was a game where we beat Philly 3-1 in March. That's when I knew I was going to be OK. I wasn't 100%, but when we won I was real emotional in the locker room. I thanked all the guys for sticking with me becuase they could have easily given up on me.
But Robb had played so strong he deserved the action he was getting too.
When Stauber replaced you in the playoffs he won three in a row against Calgary. Did you start to worry, did it mess with your head at all after what you had been through that season?
Well we started the playoffs against Calgary. We were awesome in game one. Then, awful in game two. We lost game three, but neither team looked like world beaters. We were down 2-1 in the series. Robb played in game four and we won 2-1 to even the series. Barry stuck with Robb in games five and six; one them was like an 8-5 shootout. He won the series, so he got the start in game one against Vancouver...and rightfully so. We lost that first game. I think it was an afternoon game. Immediately following the game Barry called me into his office and told me I was going to start game two. Fortunately, we had a couple days off until game two so I had plenty of time to prepare for them.
I felt that was really when we got on track. To me that was the best series we ever played. Personally I felt that Vancouver was on the cusp of something at the time. And I guess I was right, they went to the Stanley Cup finals the next year. But at the time, that was a real test for us. The Toronto series was different. The intensity was the same, but our level of play started to drop. I think the travel was starting to get to us.
It's easy for people to heap praise on Melrose now, but what were you thinking at the time he was announced as the new coach? Here was a team that was damn close the previous two years - including winning the Smythe - and they just hired a rookie head coach. Were you nervous about that hiring?
Well, I was established in LA by that point, so I wasn't too worried. Of course, I wanted to make a good first impression on my new coach. But, I was lucky to have Cap Raeder. As time went on I think I endeared myself to Barry. The slump I mentioned took our relationship to the next level. I wish all players could have a guy like Barry around them. Like an Al Arbour. It's such a good feeling when you go home after practice or a game and that's your coach.
You've talked about the frank conversation Dean had with you during your time in San Jose. Talk about going to play for the Sharks.
I knew I was leaving LA that summer, but prior to July 1st I was unsure where I was going to end up. I hit it off with Dean right when I met him. I remember my agent calling me and saying the Sharks wanted to meet with me. The following Friday my wife Donna and I flew into SFO with our daughters. Dean and (assistant GM) Wayne Thomas were there at the airport when we landed. I knew at that moment I was signing with the Sharks. It was one thing that Dean was at the airport to pick us up. But more importantly, he had brought a bunch of Sharks memorabilia for my girls. To bring gifts for my kids, I knew that was the type of guy I wanted to play for.
The next day though when we actually had our meeting he asked me two questions that have always stayed with me. First question he asked was "Why do I want to sign a 35 year old goalie who wants to be a broadcaster?" Then he asked me "Why did the Kings trade for Grant Fuhr when they had you?" They weren't hurtful questions. He just spoke honestly and I had so much respect for him because of it.
That's why later it didn't bother me when he called me into his office and said "Kelly you look scared to play." He was right and I knew my career was about done.
Looking back on your career, you finished with 271 wins. Do you think about being so close to the magical 300 number?
No. Not at all. I don't live that way. I did as best as I could and I loved playing the game of hockey. I wasn't lackadaisical and got a ton out of my career. I approached every game the same way. I thought I was better than the other guy. That's what I told myself when I looked down at the other end of the ice.
Let's talk about the current team. Who is your favorite Kings player right now?
Dustin Brown. He's a pure hockey player and as fierce of a competitor as you'll ever find. Plus, I was real impressed with his speech at HockeyFest. At that age, to speak so clearly about that moment on the plane...and with no notes...very impressive.
From your perspective, who is the most underrated player in the game right now?
Duncan Keith in Chicago. Or coming into the season I might have said (Wojtek) Wolski of the Avs.
Here's what I look for - we're all memorized by talent...but, I look for elite thinkers. There are only five or six guys like this on each team. Kurri was like that on the Kings. He understood the game way more than most guys.
Then, how about when you were playing - who were some of the most underrated guys you played with?
Tim Watters, Charlie Huddey, Steve Konroyd, Pat Conacher, Todd Gill, Tony Granato. Those are guys that all competed every night and gave everything of their body. Todd Gill was a mediocre, skinny player but he was tough and communicated exceptionally well. Very underrated.
You mentioned valuing elite thinkers and then when listing underrated players most of those guys you rattled off have gone into coaching. Do you think there is a coincidence there?
Wow. I never thought about that. Hmm.
Thanks Kelly. Hope to see you back in LA for more Alumni events moving forward. Best of luck with the broadcasting.
Kelly Hrudey wore #32 while minding net for the Kings. Now, LA has another goalie wearing the same number - Jonathan Quick. Perhaps, the coincidences don't stop there.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
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NOTE: If you missed our article with Hrudey last month, click here for his thoughts on the other teams in the West, plus which players he would take if starting his own NHL franchise.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Trying to Make a Point
Do the Kings have what it takes to finally make their return to the playoffs this season? The coaches talk about getting more offense. Some fans talk about getting better goaltending. Others talk about it taking a trade for this or that. However, the bottom line is it's only going to take one thing - points. It doesn't matter how the Kings get them. A 2-1 win get you the same two points as an 8-0 blowout. Losing a game by a goal hurts just as much as that shellacking the Kings took in Hotlanta the other night. Two points is two points. And even one point is...well, a point.
After Friday night the Kings had played 20 games. Earlier this season, in an article published HERE, we looked at how the Kings can reach the postseason and breaking down the season into eight 10-game sections. For each 10 game chunk of the season the Kings needed to average 11 points. After the first 10 games they had 12 points. After Friday's game #20 the Kings had accumulated 24 points.
So, overall, a little ahead of the pace needed.
Can they keep that up for the next 10 games? Again, just take it 10 games at a time - no need to get ahead of ourselves. Let's look at the game log:
Game 21 - at Tampa Bay: 2 points earned in a shootout win
Game 22 - at Florida:
Game 23 - home vs Philly:
Game 24 - home vs Calgary:
Game 25 - at Edmonton:
Game 26 - at Vancouver:
Game 27 - home vs Chicago:
Game 28 - at Anaheim
Game 29 - home vs Ottawa:
Game 30 - home vs St Louis:
Pretty balanced, with five games at home and five on the road. With one game at Anaheim, that's a lot of home cooking. Philly and Calgary will probably be two of the toughest games in this stretch.
The scariest game? Anaheim. As predicted in our season preview article (click here), the Ducks aren't the same team as in year's past. Yet, somehow these two always play each other tough. So, which ever squad gets two points that night will probably earn them in a dogfight.
The most important game? There's four. After just raw points, one of the other ways teams make the playoffs is by beating the teams in their own conference. Four games in this stretch (Edmonton, Vancouver, Anaheim and St Louis) are all currently below the Kings in the standings. That makes those four games the most important. Win those and it widens the gap, creating a separation that becomes very important in March and April.
Yes, the Kings are going to need continued solid production from the top line. Yes, the Kings need Brown's line to be more consistent. Yes, Frolov's line needs to score more goals. Yes, the fourth line needs to do something. Anything! Yes, the defense needs to play 60 minutes a night. And yes, Quick needs to play better some nights. But, you know what? The Kings have been getting it done so far, both after 10 games - then, again after 20 games.
Stanley Cups aren't won in November...or even December. However, the two points you earn at this time of the year count the same as the two points you can earn after the All Star break. For now, the Kings need to just keep averaging 11 points or more for each 10 game section of the schedule and the return to the second season will come soon enough.
After all, isn't that why we're all here? Which reminds me, where's my t-shirt?
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
After Friday night the Kings had played 20 games. Earlier this season, in an article published HERE, we looked at how the Kings can reach the postseason and breaking down the season into eight 10-game sections. For each 10 game chunk of the season the Kings needed to average 11 points. After the first 10 games they had 12 points. After Friday's game #20 the Kings had accumulated 24 points.
So, overall, a little ahead of the pace needed.
Can they keep that up for the next 10 games? Again, just take it 10 games at a time - no need to get ahead of ourselves. Let's look at the game log:
Game 21 - at Tampa Bay: 2 points earned in a shootout win
Game 22 - at Florida:
Game 23 - home vs Philly:
Game 24 - home vs Calgary:
Game 25 - at Edmonton:
Game 26 - at Vancouver:
Game 27 - home vs Chicago:
Game 28 - at Anaheim
Game 29 - home vs Ottawa:
Game 30 - home vs St Louis:
Pretty balanced, with five games at home and five on the road. With one game at Anaheim, that's a lot of home cooking. Philly and Calgary will probably be two of the toughest games in this stretch.
The scariest game? Anaheim. As predicted in our season preview article (click here), the Ducks aren't the same team as in year's past. Yet, somehow these two always play each other tough. So, which ever squad gets two points that night will probably earn them in a dogfight.
The most important game? There's four. After just raw points, one of the other ways teams make the playoffs is by beating the teams in their own conference. Four games in this stretch (Edmonton, Vancouver, Anaheim and St Louis) are all currently below the Kings in the standings. That makes those four games the most important. Win those and it widens the gap, creating a separation that becomes very important in March and April.
Yes, the Kings are going to need continued solid production from the top line. Yes, the Kings need Brown's line to be more consistent. Yes, Frolov's line needs to score more goals. Yes, the fourth line needs to do something. Anything! Yes, the defense needs to play 60 minutes a night. And yes, Quick needs to play better some nights. But, you know what? The Kings have been getting it done so far, both after 10 games - then, again after 20 games.
Stanley Cups aren't won in November...or even December. However, the two points you earn at this time of the year count the same as the two points you can earn after the All Star break. For now, the Kings need to just keep averaging 11 points or more for each 10 game section of the schedule and the return to the second season will come soon enough. After all, isn't that why we're all here? Which reminds me, where's my t-shirt?
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Random Ramblings
Very few things sound worse than four games in six nights. Well, five in eight nights doesn't sound much better - but, we'll get to that later.
For now, here's where things stand:
* After the dismal performance the Kings showed in their last game at home, it would have been nice to start the road trip off with a win in Chicago. It didn't happen.
* Carolina looked like an easy win heading in to Wednesday given that they had lost about 43 straight games this season. "Looks easy" is always scary. And given how bad the Kings needed a win after dropping a few, be honest - you were worried too. Last year's team would have wilted under the pressure. This year's team - they took care of business and got the win. Poor Carolina.
* Well, the goaltending in Atlanta wasn't as bad as first reported. Pavelec looked just fine while making all 38 saves.
* Bogosian got over on Doughty. He scored the third goal of the game and was a +4 for the night. Drew's claim to fame was posting "only" a -1 on a night his team lost 7-0. Both guys played about 24 minutes. Did I mention they're only 19?
* Kovalchuk got over on Kopitar. Ilya had ANOTHER two goal game against the Kings.
* Finally saw Ivanans trying to impose his will in a game this season. Yes, against the dreaded Tampa Bay Lightning.
* Rick Tocchet can complain all he wants, but that WAS NOT a goal in overtime. His guy was about to ride Quick like a backpack. No goal!
* Still no sign of Frolov of in the shootout. Really?
* Who would have ever thought the Kings would be up 1-0 after three full rounds of the shootout? Then, Quick got the number one star for the game. It's about damn time.
* So much for the team playing on the second night of a back to back losing two thirds of the time. Atlanta beat the Kings Friday (after playing Thursday in NY) and the Kings won Saturday (after playing those Thrashers the night before). Weird.
* Four points after those four games in six days. Sounds fine to me.
* Ryan Smyth should have had at least three, if not five, goals in the last two games. Still not sure how he missed some of those WIDE open looks at the net.
Sunday is the day of rest. Just ask the Kings. Then on Monday night it'll be time to wrap up the road trip with a game in Miami versus the Panthers. One point would be nice, two would be even better.
Come back Monday and we'll find some interesting story lines to ponder before game time.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
photo courtesy of sbnation.com
For now, here's where things stand:
* After the dismal performance the Kings showed in their last game at home, it would have been nice to start the road trip off with a win in Chicago. It didn't happen.
* Carolina looked like an easy win heading in to Wednesday given that they had lost about 43 straight games this season. "Looks easy" is always scary. And given how bad the Kings needed a win after dropping a few, be honest - you were worried too. Last year's team would have wilted under the pressure. This year's team - they took care of business and got the win. Poor Carolina.
* Well, the goaltending in Atlanta wasn't as bad as first reported. Pavelec looked just fine while making all 38 saves.
* Bogosian got over on Doughty. He scored the third goal of the game and was a +4 for the night. Drew's claim to fame was posting "only" a -1 on a night his team lost 7-0. Both guys played about 24 minutes. Did I mention they're only 19?
* Kovalchuk got over on Kopitar. Ilya had ANOTHER two goal game against the Kings.
* Finally saw Ivanans trying to impose his will in a game this season. Yes, against the dreaded Tampa Bay Lightning.
* Rick Tocchet can complain all he wants, but that WAS NOT a goal in overtime. His guy was about to ride Quick like a backpack. No goal!* Still no sign of Frolov of in the shootout. Really?
* Who would have ever thought the Kings would be up 1-0 after three full rounds of the shootout? Then, Quick got the number one star for the game. It's about damn time.
* So much for the team playing on the second night of a back to back losing two thirds of the time. Atlanta beat the Kings Friday (after playing Thursday in NY) and the Kings won Saturday (after playing those Thrashers the night before). Weird.
* Four points after those four games in six days. Sounds fine to me.
* Ryan Smyth should have had at least three, if not five, goals in the last two games. Still not sure how he missed some of those WIDE open looks at the net.
Sunday is the day of rest. Just ask the Kings. Then on Monday night it'll be time to wrap up the road trip with a game in Miami versus the Panthers. One point would be nice, two would be even better.
Come back Monday and we'll find some interesting story lines to ponder before game time.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
photo courtesy of sbnation.com
Friday, November 13, 2009
13 Things to Know Before Tonight
Superstitions in sports are as old as the games themselves. Hockey is no exception, where guys tape their sticks a certain way, grow beards in the playoffs and there's the octopi throwing Red Wing fans.
Somebody forgot to tell the NHL schedule maker that playing games on Friday the 13th would probably only increase the weirdness. So - after walking across the street backwards, while rubbing my stomach with my left hand four times, then tugging my ear twice - I give to you, 13 things to mull over while preparing to watch the Kings take on the Thrashers tonight:
* Drew Doughty vs Zach Bogosian -
these two will probably be linked throughout their careers. DD was taken #2 in the draft, with Zach going right behind him at #3. Both are considered two of the best - if not THE two best - young defenseman in the league. And to think, neither of them has turned 20 yet. Wow.
* Canada vs USA - both defenseman could make their respective Olympic squads. Come February you could see Zach in red, white and blue; while Drew possibly suits up for host Canada.
* Making his point - Doughty has 9 points in the last 10 games (1-8=9).
* He's baaaaackkkk - after some initial confusion, with the GM and coach giving conflicting information, Ilya Kovalchuk made his return to the ice last night in New York. For those wondering, he had a goal and two assists. Some things never change.
* Frolov vs Kovalchuk - While there has been plenty of conjecture in the last year that these two should be traded for each other, it probably doesn't make sense for either side. Kovalchuk is the face of the franchise in Atlanta and resigning him would help solidify a team still searching for an identity. Fro on the other hand, may or may not be part of the long term Kings outlook. LA's bright lights now shine on a guy wearing #11.
* The real main event - the Thrashers homepage says it all "Kovalchuk vs. Kopitar Tonight".
* More on those two - last season when the teams met in LA, take a guess who the two stars were...Kovalchuk and Kopitar each had a pair of goals. Kings lost in a shootout (literally), 7-6.
* Making a point II - Frolov has 10 points in the last 10 games (3-7=10). If you like to pick a guy for first goal, go with Fro tonight.
* Quick vs well...? - the Thrashers are a mess in goal right now. Their main guy, Kari Lehtonen, is out with back problems. He just underwent a second surgery - which doesn't sound good. The two guys filling in have been decent, with NHL veteran Johan Hedberg actually playing pretty well. For the Kings, its back to Quick after letting Ersberg get some playing time on Wednesday.
* Headsup - LA is 7-1-3 lifetime vs Atlanta. On the road they're 3-1-1. However, the Kings have lost the last two at Atlanta. With the first of those losses all the way back in December '03, the "streak" probably isn't relevant. The two teams just don't play each other enough.
* Back to Back - The Kings had last night off, while the Thrashers played at MSG. Does that give the Kings an advantage? Well, for the month of October the team playing the second night of a B2B had a record of 12-21-0 (just a 36% winning percentage). Hope it helps.
* Useless Trivia - Ten years ago former Kings winger Kelly Buchberger scored the first goal in Thrashers history. It came in the second period of their first ever game, a 4-1 loss to New Jersey.
* The Kings are 1-1 on the current roadtrip and play again tomorrow night in Tampa Bay. Going back to the first point, who was the only player taken ahead of Doughty and Bogosian in the 2008 draft...Steven Stamkos of the Lightning.
Stay away from black cats the rest of the day. Only eat the green M&Ms. Oh...and if Scott Parse scores in the second period, clap fast three times.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Somebody forgot to tell the NHL schedule maker that playing games on Friday the 13th would probably only increase the weirdness. So - after walking across the street backwards, while rubbing my stomach with my left hand four times, then tugging my ear twice - I give to you, 13 things to mull over while preparing to watch the Kings take on the Thrashers tonight:
* Drew Doughty vs Zach Bogosian -
these two will probably be linked throughout their careers. DD was taken #2 in the draft, with Zach going right behind him at #3. Both are considered two of the best - if not THE two best - young defenseman in the league. And to think, neither of them has turned 20 yet. Wow.* Canada vs USA - both defenseman could make their respective Olympic squads. Come February you could see Zach in red, white and blue; while Drew possibly suits up for host Canada.
* Making his point - Doughty has 9 points in the last 10 games (1-8=9).
* He's baaaaackkkk - after some initial confusion, with the GM and coach giving conflicting information, Ilya Kovalchuk made his return to the ice last night in New York. For those wondering, he had a goal and two assists. Some things never change.
* Frolov vs Kovalchuk - While there has been plenty of conjecture in the last year that these two should be traded for each other, it probably doesn't make sense for either side. Kovalchuk is the face of the franchise in Atlanta and resigning him would help solidify a team still searching for an identity. Fro on the other hand, may or may not be part of the long term Kings outlook. LA's bright lights now shine on a guy wearing #11.
* The real main event - the Thrashers homepage says it all "Kovalchuk vs. Kopitar Tonight".
* More on those two - last season when the teams met in LA, take a guess who the two stars were...Kovalchuk and Kopitar each had a pair of goals. Kings lost in a shootout (literally), 7-6.
* Making a point II - Frolov has 10 points in the last 10 games (3-7=10). If you like to pick a guy for first goal, go with Fro tonight.
* Quick vs well...? - the Thrashers are a mess in goal right now. Their main guy, Kari Lehtonen, is out with back problems. He just underwent a second surgery - which doesn't sound good. The two guys filling in have been decent, with NHL veteran Johan Hedberg actually playing pretty well. For the Kings, its back to Quick after letting Ersberg get some playing time on Wednesday.
* Headsup - LA is 7-1-3 lifetime vs Atlanta. On the road they're 3-1-1. However, the Kings have lost the last two at Atlanta. With the first of those losses all the way back in December '03, the "streak" probably isn't relevant. The two teams just don't play each other enough.
* Back to Back - The Kings had last night off, while the Thrashers played at MSG. Does that give the Kings an advantage? Well, for the month of October the team playing the second night of a B2B had a record of 12-21-0 (just a 36% winning percentage). Hope it helps.
* Useless Trivia - Ten years ago former Kings winger Kelly Buchberger scored the first goal in Thrashers history. It came in the second period of their first ever game, a 4-1 loss to New Jersey.
* The Kings are 1-1 on the current roadtrip and play again tomorrow night in Tampa Bay. Going back to the first point, who was the only player taken ahead of Doughty and Bogosian in the 2008 draft...Steven Stamkos of the Lightning.
Stay away from black cats the rest of the day. Only eat the green M&Ms. Oh...and if Scott Parse scores in the second period, clap fast three times.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
10 tidbits on Drew Doughty
Teenagers aren't supposed to play in the NHL, especially on defense. Most scouts will tell you because of the complexities of the position, the majority of young d-men won't mature until about 24-25. Tonight in Carolina, on game two of the Kings current five game road trip, young Drew Doughty will play in his 100th NHL game. Even more remarkable than the quantity of games played BEFORE his 20th birthday is the quantity of minutes played - he led the Kings and all NHL rookies with nearly a 24 minute average last season and continues to lead the team most nights this season.
(Doughty's first hockey card, age 4)
In celebration of what is sure to be many milestones to come for Drew, let's take a closer look at the guy teammates call Dewy:
Born in London, Ontario, Canada. It's quite the hotbed of hockey. Other NHLers from London - Jeff Carter (Philly), Joe Thornton (San Jose) and Eric Lindros (multi-teams).
Numbers Game - wore #3 when playing for Team Canada at the World Championships last Spring. Growing up he wore #99 in honor of his childhood idle - Wayne Gretzky. Then, briefly wore #19 for Joe Sakic. With his Junior team (Guelph) and here in LA he wears #8 (taken from his birthday (Dec 8).
Was taken second overall by the Kings in the 2008 draft. It could end up being a very memorable 1st round for defenseman. Other key guys taken that day - Colten Teubert (Kings #13), Zach Bogosian (Atl #3), Luke Schenn (Tor #5) and probable Calder candidate this season, Michael Del Zotto (NYR #20)
Prior to the draft E.J. McGuire, the NHL's director of Central Scouting, said that Doughty is "a defenseman around which a team is going to build the next 10 years." Yep.
Won gold with Team Canada at the 2008 World Junior Championships, where he was named Top Defenseman of the tournament. He was just the fifth Canadian d-man to win the award (Marc Staal 2006, Dion Phaneuf 2005, Bryan McCabe 1995, Gord Kluzak 1982) and the first to win it before being drafted into the NHL. Also played for his native country at the 2009 World Championships (earned silver medal), the 2007 World Junior Under-18 Championships and the 2006 World Junior Under-17 Championships. Also has an outside chance of making the very deep roster that will represent Team Canada at the upcoming Olympics in Vancouver. Participated in the initial training camp in August and will anxiously await the final roster announcement on December 31st.
Other awards - was voted Best Offensive Defenseman in the 2007 and 2008 OHL Coaches Poll (Guelph, Juniors) and was also named to the OHL All-Rookie Team in 2005-06. Selected to participate in the YoungStars game at the '09 NHL All-Star Weekend in Montreal. After his rookie campaign in the NHL was named to the '08-09 All-Rookie Team.
Offensively minded - tied for first among NHL rookie defensemen last season with 27 points and 21 assists. This was after he put up 50 points (13-37=50) in 58 regular season games during his final campaign with the Guelph Storm.
Was called out by former Kings forward and current broadcaster, Jim Fox, after the first game of the current season. In an article HERE Foxy called it Drew's "worst game as a King."
Making history - made his NHL debut on Oct 11, 2008 vs. San Jose. Recorded first NHL point with a goal Oct. 20, 2008 vs. Colorado.
Under contract - He is currently in the second year of his initial three year deal, earning $875k per year. He'll be a restricted free agent at the end of next season. If you're placing a bet, put it all down that he isn't going anywhere!
100 and counting. Keep 'em coming Drew. You're the foundation of what is arguably the most promising group of young d-men currently assembled by any NHL team. The Kings are in good shape for many years to come with you minding the blue line.
In closing, it should also be noted that Michal Handzus will be playing in his 700th NHL game tonight too. The signing of Handzus was universally panned when first announced a few summers ago after he was given a four year deal - at a time when he was coming off reconstructive knee surgery. Although his first season as a King was nothing to write home about, near the end of that year you could start to see he was slowly regaining his pre-surgery form. That was confirmed last year when he had a remarkable bounce back season. The chemistry formed with Alexander Frolov has continued this year and many now see what Deam Lombardi was banking on when he first signed him...a solid two way center. Congrats Zues on game #700.
The only number that could be more meaningful tonight is one. As in "wins: one in a row." If you prefer the number two, that could work also. As in "the end of the two game losing streak" or "two points." Either will do.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
(Doughty's first hockey card, age 4)
In celebration of what is sure to be many milestones to come for Drew, let's take a closer look at the guy teammates call Dewy:100 and counting. Keep 'em coming Drew. You're the foundation of what is arguably the most promising group of young d-men currently assembled by any NHL team. The Kings are in good shape for many years to come with you minding the blue line.
In closing, it should also be noted that Michal Handzus will be playing in his 700th NHL game tonight too. The signing of Handzus was universally panned when first announced a few summers ago after he was given a four year deal - at a time when he was coming off reconstructive knee surgery. Although his first season as a King was nothing to write home about, near the end of that year you could start to see he was slowly regaining his pre-surgery form. That was confirmed last year when he had a remarkable bounce back season. The chemistry formed with Alexander Frolov has continued this year and many now see what Deam Lombardi was banking on when he first signed him...a solid two way center. Congrats Zues on game #700.
The only number that could be more meaningful tonight is one. As in "wins: one in a row." If you prefer the number two, that could work also. As in "the end of the two game losing streak" or "two points." Either will do.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Monday, November 9, 2009
20 Questions with #20
From the 1984 NHL Entry Draft to the 1993 Stanley Cup Finals. From his 500th goal in 1999 to his retirement in 2006. Kings fans have been watching Luc Robitaille for two decades now. He's strayed from Los Angeles a few times, yet his heart always belonged to the Kings. Today marks another milestone in the incredible career of the young kid from Montreal who grew up to become the greatest left wing of all time.Prior to his induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame later today, we had a chance to sit down with Luc...we went all the way back to the beginning and tried to cover everything in between...it was 20 Questions with #20:
Recently the Kings had a Dad's Trip, something they didn't do back when you were playing. Yet, the bond between father and son was still important - especially when you're younger. Do you remember any advice your dad gave you prior to being drafted?
My dad never said much to me about playing. He never missed a practice or a game. I think there was one game in Juniors though where he said "I drive two hours to watch you everyday. I don't care if you play bad, but you have to work hard." It never happened again. I didn't want to disappoint him.
You had a great career at Hull (Junior Hockey), you were the player of the year in 85-86 and the the CHL later created an award named after you (The Luc Robitaille Trophy). Now, its given to the team that scores the most goals in a season. The Kings have drafted six guys that have played for a team that won the award...
Wow, I didn't know that.
Well, I'm not sure if its a good thing Luc, none of those prospects have panned out yet.
(He laughs) Hang in there. Sooner or later one of them will work out.
There isn't a 'Luc' jinx?
No, no, no. Don't say that. One of them will pan out. (he laughs some more)
Well, Nicolas Deslauriers was taken in the third round this year...
Yeah, he's a real good player. He had a pretty good season.
So I shouldn't mention the possibility of a jinx to Dean?
No, no. Don't mention it to him. (More laughter)
In 1986 you beat Ron Hextall for the Calder Trophy. Do you like to tease him about that now that you guys work together?
No, I never do. That's something I should though. I've never teased him about that. I tease him about a few of the goals I scored on him though. He said he doesn't remember any of them, but I say I do and I can show him the video. I know he remembers.
After your second season with the Kings the big trade went down for Wayne. Do you remember how you found out he would be your teammate and what your thoughts were at the time?
Bruce McNall called me the day before the trade was about to happen and I still wasn't sure it was really going to happen. The next day I was in Montreal when it happened and I had to do a couple hundred interviews. There was no way to get a hold of Wayne because of the press conference, so people starting asking me questions.
My thoughts were pure excitement. I idolized Wayne, so to get the best player in the game was great. That was the most excited I ever was in my career about getting a new player on my team. To be able to watch him day in and day out was just amazing.
The Kings had a great season in 1990-91, winning the Smythe Division. How close was that team to threatening for the Cup? When I talked with Kelly Hrudey recently he said he thought the Edmonton Oilers were what held you guys back; that those guys just had something special and it was hard for you guys to get past them.
Well, I think every year once we got Wayne we thought about it. You know we had John Tenelli, Kelly Hrudey, Mike Krushelniski, Larry Robinson. We had good stay at home defenseman in Tom Laidlaw and Tim Watters. We felt every year we had a shot that year. That being said you never know. But, we felt that way every year.
As far as the Oilers, well - we beat them in the playoffs one year, they beat us the next year. They still had a good aura. But we had some good runs against them. I actually thought Calgary and Edmonton both gave us the most problems.
In the '92-93 season Gretzky was hurt and you were given the 'C'. Many people have said that you played differently as the captain. Do you think so?
I think so. Barry Melrose gave me a lot of respect with that. To tell you the truth, it was my first time in LA playing on the top line. All the years prior I was always on the second like. So that changed a lot of my responsibilities. I remember Barry asking me to work hard every day and it certainly paid off. I enjoyed the responsibility.
The following year the Kings missed the playoffs and then things got weird. There was a lockout, you were traded to the Penguins. Did having Tomas Sandstrom in Pittsburgh make the transition any easier for you?
Well, I knew Howard Baldwin. When I went there he treated me real well. I had a fairly decent year, about a point a game. We had a good run in the playoffs. We lost to New Jersey and they won the cup that year. I enjoyed my time in Pittsburgh. The only reason I left was Howard went to my agent - because of the lockout I was able to file for arbitration - he wasn't going to be able to pay me. We didn't know at the time, but he was in trouble financially. He did me a favor and sent me to New York.
Let's talk about your time as a Ranger. You got the chance to play with the guy that many people claim is the best captain in all of sports, Mark Messier. What did you learn from him?
I learned a lot from Mark. I was really impressed with how hard he worked every game, he was such an impact on every game. What impressed me the most though was the way he lead. He lead with a constant positive thoughts. If you worked hard and you were honest, you were part of Mark's group. If you weren't working hard and you weren't honest, you were just literally out. That's why Mark won so many cups because of the way he lead. He was definitely one of the best leaders I ever played with.
In August of '97 one of Dave Taylor's first moves as the new GM of the Kings was to bring you back to Los Angeles. How excited were you at the time?
I was excited. Dave talked to me right away. I knew what was expected of me in LA. Larry Robinson was the coach, it was a good fit. Unfortunately, I was hurt the first year. I played with a bad groin, a hernia, for a long time. Then I had to have hernia surgery. But the team played well. We were staring to build a team. That was fun.
The last year at the Forum, in '98-99, you went out with a bang - playing all 82 games and scoring 39 goals, the most you had put up in five years. Was that intentional?
Like I said, the year before I had the hernia surgery and I was not feeling good about my game. It was hard to play with a bad groin all year. Then once I fixed my hernia I got into a new training program. I got a lot stronger and bigger. That's when the players were getting faster and bigger. Literally I changed my career that summer. I probably added ten years to my career that summer.
A lot of fans still don't understand what happened in the summer of 2001 and why the Kings didn't resign you. What can you share?
I still don't quite know what happened either. I thought we had a great run. When it comes down to a contract its always about one guy. I had a great year. I was 11th in scoring in the league. We had done everything right. But then I was offered a pay cut. I wasn't expecting a huge...um...I don't know what I was expecting. But I was expecting something. When I was offered a pay cut - you know - that never happens to the leading scorer on your team. I was really disappointed. It happened 24 hours before the July deadline. It was certainly weird the way it happened. There was not a lot of communication. I didn't understand it. But at the time I wasn't going to go and shop myself around. I was going to go for the team that really wanted me. So that's what I let the Kings know at the time - I said "If you want me, you have until tomorrow to sign me" and that was going to be it for me. They never called me back.
You went on to win the Cup in Detroit your first season there. Then, at the end of your second season the team was swept by Anaheim in the first round of the playoffs. You were about to be a free agent again. Do you remember your first thoughts about what you were in store for?
I don't really remember. We were so disappointed in the way that season ended. We knew we had a good team and we knew it wasn't going to last forever. That summer, Ken Holland sat me down. He's a very special person. Once that happened I knew I was going to be a free agent.
Your wife, Stacia, has always been so supportive throughout your career. What were her thoughts when you told her you had a chance to come back to LA to finish your career?
Tim Lieweke had mentioned to me previously that when my deal was up he wanted me to finish my career in LA. So Stacia and I planned on calling Tim. I knew he would live up to his word. He has been so good to me and my family through the years. It wasn't really much of a surprise at that point.
After your final game (up in San Jose) the Sharks players and coaches came onto the ice to congrats you. Did that surprise you at all?
It really surprised me and at the same time it was one of the proudest moments of my career. teammates and your opponents are the people that know the price you pay to play every day. And I know I played my career in an honest way, the right way. So when they did that it was special. It certainly was one the greatest memories of my career. Sometimes the little things make you feel good about situations. That was a big thing for me. I remember Big Joe Thornton approaching me and he spoke very highly of my career and that meant a lot to me.
Regarding the Hall of Fame festivities, what are you most nervous about?
I just don't want to screw up the speech. i want to make sure everything goes smooth in that way. I don't want to forget anybody. I'm not really nervous. Its such a great honor. I'm just going to be happy to be part of it and to enjoy every single moment because it never happens again. Its going to be such a blur though. They told me they're going to keep me
Tell us about the Omaha Lancers. Your part owner with Mario Lemieux, right?
Yes. I always wanted to give back to Juniors. I played in the US my whole career. When this team was available in Omaha we started looking into the USHL. We started getting familiar with Junior Major in the US and the chance for kids to go to college. I really liked that concept. Its been fun.
You were recently on NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's radio show. Why do you think he gets booed so much around the league?
They've booed every commissioner in the history of sports, ever since the first sport was created. I remember the fans used to boo John Ziegler when he was commissioner. Its just the way it is. I think they get a kick out of it. But Gary has done a lot of stuff throughout his time with the NHL. He's made a lot of changes. Fans all have their opinions. But at the end of the day, what Gary has done with our league he has helped make it so that we compete at a higher level every night, the buildings are fuller now than ever before, he's done an amazing job - but, there's not a commissioner that doesn't get booed. If you get the job of Commissioner, you have to expect to be booed - everywhere.
If you were the Commissioner, what one thing about the game would you look to change?
Oh gosh. well, we all like to play Commissioner. But the one thing I would like to do - we all talk about improving tv - the one thing I like to do is get rid of the hurry up faceoffs. Give more time to talk about and tell stories about our great players between whistles.
Fans in Los Angeles obviously loved you Luc. They get your autograph on just about anything. What about for you, is there any important memorabilia you've kept from your career?
Its kinda funny because when I was younger I didn't keep much. When I'd get a jersey or something I'd give it to my mom, but I never thought much about it. Once I started having kids I thought Man I gotta start keeping stuff. So I have some stuff in boxes. I kept some stuff when I won the Cup. Believe it or not when we were going to the Finals in '93 I was keeping a lot of stuff. I just had a feeling. The funny thing is, in that series my wife...she knew everybody in the arena and she came to all the games. Most of the time she'd forget her ticket, but they knew where she sat. So, that year in the playoffs I forgot to give her tickets for the first round. She was bugging me to give her the tickets for the second round and I forgot again. By the time we got to third round I said I'm not giving them to you! I remember thinking that's probably the only uncut tickets in existence. So when we made the Finals I said Man if we win the cup this is going to be awesome.
You've stated that helping the Kings win a Stanley Cup is your number one priority as team President. What other goals have you set for yourself?
Our fans deserve for us to put a product...and to be a franchise...that acts like one of the top franchises in pro sports. When Mr. Anschutz and Mr. Leiweke gave me this job they let us have people working for the Kings 365 days a year. We take a lot of pride in giving great service to our fans and we're trying to be at the forefront of things, like what we're doing on the internet. We're trying to do as much stuff as possible to be a successful franchise, on and off the ice. Look at what Dean has done too, like redoing the locker room for the second time in two years. We're trying to treat the players with a lot of class. When you look at other teams, like the Dodgers or the Detroit Red Wings, they do all the little things right. That's what we're looking at. That's our goal.
Thanks Luc. Congratulations on your well deserved honor. Luc Robitaille, member of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Players Speak Out on Luc
Yesterday we published an article with Luc's thoughts on a variety of guys he played with - from the three other members of this year's Hall of Fame class, to guys wearing Kings jerseys.
Today the roles are reversed. Here are a few comments we've collected from guys that played with or against Luc. They wanted to share their thoughts on Mr Lucky:
Kelly Hrudey - First off, he worked hard at scoring goals. You can't say that about every player, even though scoring is one of the main objectives in hockey. He worked harder than anybody I played with. Sometimes he was annoying actually. In practice he'd be over in the corner when it wasn't his turn and he would still be firing pucks. He'd ring one off my ankle or a rebound would end up in front of me. I'd be trying to stop the guy coming in on me and I'd be stepping on pucks that Luc was shooting. I would constantly give him a hard time about this. All in all though, I have the utmost respect for his game preparation.
Marcel Dionne - He was a solid player from the day I first met him. I've always liked his game and him as a person. He was so committed to the game and came every night with all he had. I told him I'd be there to see him at the Hall of Fame no matter what.
Bernie Nichols - I have a lot of memories from the early days. We were so young. One of the funniest was the story we told (at HockeyFest) about Luc trying to start at fight during training camp. I had to stop it. I thought Dan (Brennan) was going to kill him. Luc just tried to scored goals after that experience.
Mike Modano - The one thing I remember most about Luc is he had the ugliest looking stick, the curve the shape of the blade. I’d look at that while playing him and think he must be really good to be able to do all that with that stick!
Jim Fox - A few things come to mind. First, Luc said he remembers reading a book in which Mike Bossy talked about just shooting for the middle of the net to make sure you hit the net. Luc must have been a bad aim, because he sure hit a lot of corners for a guy that was just trying to hit the middle of the net. Also, his incredible hand and wrist strength. He rarely took the stick back more than parallel to the ice, but he was able to generate so much power with half a swing.
Luc has tons of fans. Even former players love the guy.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Today the roles are reversed. Here are a few comments we've collected from guys that played with or against Luc. They wanted to share their thoughts on Mr Lucky:
Kelly Hrudey - First off, he worked hard at scoring goals. You can't say that about every player, even though scoring is one of the main objectives in hockey. He worked harder than anybody I played with. Sometimes he was annoying actually. In practice he'd be over in the corner when it wasn't his turn and he would still be firing pucks. He'd ring one off my ankle or a rebound would end up in front of me. I'd be trying to stop the guy coming in on me and I'd be stepping on pucks that Luc was shooting. I would constantly give him a hard time about this. All in all though, I have the utmost respect for his game preparation.
Marcel Dionne - He was a solid player from the day I first met him. I've always liked his game and him as a person. He was so committed to the game and came every night with all he had. I told him I'd be there to see him at the Hall of Fame no matter what.
Bernie Nichols - I have a lot of memories from the early days. We were so young. One of the funniest was the story we told (at HockeyFest) about Luc trying to start at fight during training camp. I had to stop it. I thought Dan (Brennan) was going to kill him. Luc just tried to scored goals after that experience.
Mike Modano - The one thing I remember most about Luc is he had the ugliest looking stick, the curve the shape of the blade. I’d look at that while playing him and think he must be really good to be able to do all that with that stick!
Jim Fox - A few things come to mind. First, Luc said he remembers reading a book in which Mike Bossy talked about just shooting for the middle of the net to make sure you hit the net. Luc must have been a bad aim, because he sure hit a lot of corners for a guy that was just trying to hit the middle of the net. Also, his incredible hand and wrist strength. He rarely took the stick back more than parallel to the ice, but he was able to generate so much power with half a swing.
Luc has tons of fans. Even former players love the guy.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Luc on His Teammates
Each group of players inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame has a uniqueness about it. Occasionally, guys that were rivals during their playing days are enshrined during the same year. However, rarely does a player going in share the stage exclusively with guys he called teammates during his career. Luc Robitaille is once again Lucky, as he has played with all three of the other members that make up the class of 2009.
Before heading to Toronto he shared a few thoughts with us on each of them...
Steve Yzerman - Along with Mark Messier, he was one of the best leaders I ever played with. Stevie is right up there. He had to lead a group of primadonnas when I was in Detroit. We were a bunch of superstars. But somehow, they way Stevie is, how hard he works, how humble he is...made it that we all excepted a role and played for one cause, which was winning. Certainly for me he is one of the players I have the most respect for that I ever played with. I think very, very highly of him.
Brett Hull - For me to play with him was the ultimate. I had always watched him throughout my career and wondered how he got so much of an opening on the ice. To see him day in and day out, to see how much he loved the game...how much he put into it. People don't realize how much he put into it because he always seemed to be that relaxed guy, so loosey goosey - but he worked hard at being really good at his game.
Brian Leetch - Obviously, he was one of the best defenseman to ever play the game. But what impressed me the most was in those days we didn't have time sheets. We didn't know how many minutes a guy was playing. If I were to guess, when I was there (in New York) he was playing 35 minutes a game and he never missed a practice. Never took a day off. One of the hardest workers I ever played with.
The greatness of those three guys is obvious, as all three are headed into the Hall this Monday. Additionally, Luc had the chance to play with other legends, like Wayne Gretzky, Marcel Dionne and Mark Messier during his career. Yet, I wondered if there was one guy that he didn't get to play with that when looking back over his career he really wished he could have...Luc wasted no time in answering:
Mario. When I went to Pittsburgh, Mario didn't play that year. When the lockout happened my first year there it changed my contract situation. They wanted me to come back and they kept trying to entice me with the thought of playing with Mario. Because of the lockout though my option year wasn't going to be a factor. My agent filed for arbitration like he was supposed to. Because of that, at the time I was the only player to have scored 40 goals eight straight seasons, so they knew we had a good case. When they figured out they weren't going to be able to resign me, that's when they traded me to New York. But if I had gotten to play with Mario it certainly would have been special.
Finally, for a little fun, we played word association using current and former Kings. Here were Luc's answers:
Jim Fox - he's quick, like a fox
Marcel Dionne - like a father figure to me
Tiger Williams - I was scared of him
Steve Duchesne - good friend
Kelly Hrudey - great goalie under pressure
Tomas Sandstrom - what a competitor
Tony Granato - great person
Robb Stauber - crazy goalie, couldn't believe the way he would run at guys
Marty McSorley - worked hard, put everything into being a better player
Dustin Brown - a pure power forward
Ian Laperriere - one of the greatest teammates you could have
Matty Norstrom - a really great roommate
Rob Blake - one of the greatest people I know, good leader
Adam Deadmarsh - played the game the right way
Sean Avery - my little puppy (he laughs)
Jeremy Roenick - great player, amazing guy in the locker room
Anze Kopitar - great future with the Kings
Alexander Frolov - underrated, a pure goal scorer
We'll have more on Luc leading up to the Hall of Fame ceremonies on Monday.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
Before heading to Toronto he shared a few thoughts with us on each of them...
Steve Yzerman - Along with Mark Messier, he was one of the best leaders I ever played with. Stevie is right up there. He had to lead a group of primadonnas when I was in Detroit. We were a bunch of superstars. But somehow, they way Stevie is, how hard he works, how humble he is...made it that we all excepted a role and played for one cause, which was winning. Certainly for me he is one of the players I have the most respect for that I ever played with. I think very, very highly of him.Brett Hull - For me to play with him was the ultimate. I had always watched him throughout my career and wondered how he got so much of an opening on the ice. To see him day in and day out, to see how much he loved the game...how much he put into it. People don't realize how much he put into it because he always seemed to be that relaxed guy, so loosey goosey - but he worked hard at being really good at his game.
Brian Leetch - Obviously, he was one of the best defenseman to ever play the game. But what impressed me the most was in those days we didn't have time sheets. We didn't know how many minutes a guy was playing. If I were to guess, when I was there (in New York) he was playing 35 minutes a game and he never missed a practice. Never took a day off. One of the hardest workers I ever played with.
The greatness of those three guys is obvious, as all three are headed into the Hall this Monday. Additionally, Luc had the chance to play with other legends, like Wayne Gretzky, Marcel Dionne and Mark Messier during his career. Yet, I wondered if there was one guy that he didn't get to play with that when looking back over his career he really wished he could have...Luc wasted no time in answering:
Mario. When I went to Pittsburgh, Mario didn't play that year. When the lockout happened my first year there it changed my contract situation. They wanted me to come back and they kept trying to entice me with the thought of playing with Mario. Because of the lockout though my option year wasn't going to be a factor. My agent filed for arbitration like he was supposed to. Because of that, at the time I was the only player to have scored 40 goals eight straight seasons, so they knew we had a good case. When they figured out they weren't going to be able to resign me, that's when they traded me to New York. But if I had gotten to play with Mario it certainly would have been special.
Finally, for a little fun, we played word association using current and former Kings. Here were Luc's answers:
Jim Fox - he's quick, like a fox
Marcel Dionne - like a father figure to me
Tiger Williams - I was scared of him
Steve Duchesne - good friend
Kelly Hrudey - great goalie under pressure
Tomas Sandstrom - what a competitor
Tony Granato - great person
Robb Stauber - crazy goalie, couldn't believe the way he would run at guys
Marty McSorley - worked hard, put everything into being a better player
Dustin Brown - a pure power forward
Ian Laperriere - one of the greatest teammates you could have
Matty Norstrom - a really great roommate
Rob Blake - one of the greatest people I know, good leader
Adam Deadmarsh - played the game the right way
Sean Avery - my little puppy (he laughs)
Jeremy Roenick - great player, amazing guy in the locker room
Anze Kopitar - great future with the Kings
Alexander Frolov - underrated, a pure goal scorer
We'll have more on Luc leading up to the Hall of Fame ceremonies on Monday.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
High / Low with Lucky Luc
For many hockey fans Toronto is the center of the universe. There's no denying that's true for at least the next few days as four of the greatest players ever will be inducted into the Hockey Fall of Fame there on Monday. They all have something special about them. Yet, Luc Robitaille is just a little different than the rest. We all know the story of the ninth round draft pick that went on to become the highest scoring left wing in NHL history. But for the Kings organization and it's fans its the first time truly one of their own is being enshrined. Dionne and Gretzky had great years in LA and are key parts of the team's history. However, Luc was selected by the Kings and grew up right before our eyes. He is Los Angeles. He is a King.Right before Luc and his family headed off to Toronto for the festivities this weekend he spent some time with Mayors Manor and reflected on his playing days. We'll be publishing a series of articles over the weekend reviewing various parts of his career. To start things off, let's look at what Luc said were the Highs and Lows of his career:
HIGHS
- My first game in the NHL
- The Gretzky trade in '88
- My entire career in Los Angeles
note: I had to interject here with "Interesting, Luc. You left the cup off the list." He said "yeah" with a real drawn out pause, as if to rethink his answer. Then he said "Well, I guess you could put it down as an asterisk, you know." Funny thing was, I had the impression he wasn't being sarcastic. It really struck me.
LOWS
- Leaving LA the first time
- The Stanley Cup Finals in '93
- Being traded in 1994 after playing with a broken ankle
Luc wasn't just a player. He's always been a fan of the game too. And fans connected with him because of it. So, it's only fitting that a few of his highs and his lows would match up with those of many Kings fans. The connection lives on.
It was a pleasure to watch Luc play the game he loved so much. I'm sure I'm probably not the only person in Los Angeles who can say this, but...thanks, Luc - you helped me love love the game a little more too.
We were the lucky ones.
One19
www.twitter.com/Mayor119
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