Au Revoir Lubo

I can't help but wonder if Lubo would still be on the team if he and the Kings had agreed to a significantly lower contract during last year's off-season. I shouldn't linger on the past but maybe his huge pay raise and large drop in production will cause Lombardi to think twice this off-season before agreeing to long-term high salary contracts.

I'm torn about this trade. On one hand I thought last year was an off-season for Lubo. The Kings defense was terrible all-around and while they needed to focus on being stable defensively, Lubo was always more of an offensive threat. During the Draft the analysts kept speculating that Lombardi was trying to unload Lubo so the trade possibility was in my mind whether I liked it or not. I was prepared to hear about Lubo being traded but I'm still sad. At 31, he's on the older half of the team and we received younger guys in return, all part of the Lombardi Master Plan.

I don't know much about Matt Greene but I suppose we'll see him on the blueline come October. Because if we don't see him...who the hell will be playing defense? I didn't think the Kings were going to be big players during Free Agency, but now that a big paycheck was just unloaded, it's very possible that the Kings will sign one or two veteran defensemen. If I'm not mistaken, the only definite veteran blueliner is Tom Preissing and Tommy P ain't gonna be contributing much to the offense. I suppose Lombardi (and the future coach) will let up on Jack's leash and maybe Blakey will re-sign to assist on the offense. There are two defensemen I would like to see come to the Kings within the next couple weeks: Brad Stuart and Brooks Orpik. Can we afford both? Possibly. Do either or both want to sign here? I doubt it. But we need them. At the rate we're going, the defense could be even worse next year and the Kings will be down a man who can start the offensive rush from behind his own net.

Lubo, Good Luck in Edmonton. Edmonton, enjoy the $5.6 million/year salary for the next 5 years. Will Lubo be worth $5.6 million at 36? I think Lombardi made the smart move.

Kings World Podcast - Episode 1.3

Connie and I couldn't wait another week to talk about the Draft and all of our wonderful newbies. We review the Draft picks and trades and each of us grade Lombardi on how well he did this past weekend.

We also complain about Cloutier's endless journey to piss off Kings fans.

Please check us out at our respective blogs and at: Kings World Podcast

Send any questions, comments, or feedback to kingsworldpodcast[at]gmail[dot]com.

Enjoy!

Are you in? Or are you out?

I had grand plans to mimic my UFAs post from last off-season and provide wondrous summaries for each player but my head isn't into it. Instead, I'm going to play a game of "Are you in? Or, are you out?", except that those that are in won't have to be hazed.

Unrestricted Free Agents

Mr. Robert Blake
Didn't he allegedly kill his wife? Oh right, the other Robert Blake. Well sure, he can come back, but for a cheaper price tag. If he really wants to be on this team and see it succeed then he better be ready to pony up to the "take one for the team" mentality that the Red Wings have perfected.

Lady-Slave Nagy
This past weekend one of my friends was trying to explain (to a bunch of industry people) why he liked the movie Transformers. One of the industry guys cut him off and said, "It's like what I say to religious people. 'I really want to buy into what you're saying, but I just don't get it.'" That's exactly how I feel about Nagy.

Scott Thorton
I don't see stand-up-veteran-locker-room-guy pulling the retirement switcharoo. Best of luck to Thornton.

Brian Willsie
I almost had a seizure just thinking of that shootout attempt.

Jon Klemm
Goodness gracious, no wonder we almost finished in last place.

Richard Petiot
He's in Group VI and at one point I actually knew what that meant, but it's so irrelevant I forget what it is. Regardless, as Hextall put it, "he plateaued" and was never able to make it in the bigs...with the Kings.

Kevin Dallman
Tampa Bay should be f'ing embarrassed that they finished behind the Kings.

Jeff Guiliano
I didn't think he had a shot in hell of staying on the squad this past year, but his hard work and HUGE legs contributed to his mild success. While Connie really wants to see him back, I think we can do better...and so do the Kings.

Brendan Buckley
I think I've heard of him before...

Wow, what a great group of UFAs. I guess only Blakey is willing (and deserving) to suck on a pacifier all day.

RFAs after the jump.


Restricted Free Agents

Joe Piskula
Hmmm....he's a toss up. On one hand, we really need defensemen and he could possibly become an NHL caliber player. But on the other hand, I expected him to be further along in his development, especially considering the organization had enough faith in him to sign him to a $1 million+ salary. Last season he made more than Kopitar! I really want to like this guy and believe that he can make it and be a solid defenseman. I mean c'mon, look at the guy! He's got the size and the look of a hockey player. I'm sure he wants to stay, but I'm not so sure the Kings want to keep him at that price tag. He'll either sign for less or the Kings will let him walk.

Patrick O'Sullivan
I can't stop thinking about his potential development and the awesomeness he exudes while playing. God help me if he isn't in a Kings jersey next fall.

Erik Ersberg
We gotta give him a chance.

Gabe Gauthier
I say pass.

Dany Roussin
He's so special, he went through the Draft twice!

Peter Harrold
Similar to Piskula but actually capable of playing in the NHL right now. I don't know who else would be on the blueline, so unless we pick Doughty or Lombardi has some tricks up his sleeve, I think Harrold will be back.

Petr Kanko
Believe it or not, he's scarier than Ivanans. You might as well keep the guy around to protect the boys in Manchester.

Matt Moulson
I'll be very disappointed if Moulson isn't re-signed. He exhibited a lot of smarts and skills during his short stint with LA and I was bummed that Lombardi sent him back to Manchester along with Boyle and Purcell. I just can't see Lombardi cutting ties with a promising young forward.

The Kings have some potential returnees on the RFA List but for most of them their return is questionable. Even if some (like Piskula) won't be ready to play with the Kings next season, they'll still be huge assets in the farm system, especially since the Kings continue to pick up younger and younger players who will need leadership from the veteran minor leaguers. So while the actual LA Kings team may not directly benefit from re-signing the majority of the RFAs I think it's in the entire franchise's best interest to re-sign them.

Kings World Podcast - Episode 1.2

Connie and I recorded Episode 1.2 of Kings World Podcast in which we talk about some Kings updates (Crow is outta here!) and the upcoming Draft. I finally got a decent mic so you can actually hear me in this episode. To listen, click the player in the left column, subscribe to us on iTunes, or go to our podbean website.

Leave comments, questions, or feedback at kingsworldpodcast[at]gmail[dot]com and visit us on our Facebook group. Enjoy!!

Hit the Road Jack!!

Ok, so his name is Marc, whatevs...

Crawford is DONE!

I have been praying for this to happen since December and I honestly didn't think it was going to happen. Crow had one year left on his contract, but Deano pulled the plug.

I can't even begin to guess who will fill the vacancy.

The NY Times HNiB

Slap Shot Blog (*cough* of the NY Times *cough*) summoned its Hockey Night in Blogdom participants for one last hurrah: "What We Learned This Season"

In addition to answering what fans of our respective teams learned, we also answered what we have to look forward to next season.

Big Thanks to Jeff Z. Klein for putting HNIB together!

At Least Malkin Finally Scored

Congrats to Detroit! It's crazy how good Detroit was throughout this series. I thought Zetterberg definitely deserved the Conn Smythe. It seemed like he was always on the ice making the smart play, being in the right position. I first really noticed Hank during the '05-'06 playoffs when Detroit surprisingly lost to the Edmonton Oilers. I was so impressed with his play and couldn't believe he was a 7th Round acquisition. He's such an unbelievable player and with his fellow linemates and teammates I'm not surprised Detroit finally won the Cup with this squad; I'm just surprised they didn't win it last season or the season prior to that one. Little tweaks over the past couple seasons provided just the right combination to win the Cup.

As sad as I was to see the Kings trade Brad Stuart at the trade deadline, I was happy to see him shipped off to a solid team. Despite a couple flubbed plays during the playoffs I think he was a great fit in Detroit, especially alongside Kronwall. He was able to showcase his defensive capabilities, toughness, playmaking smarts, and scoring. I almost got teary-eyed when I saw him lift the Cup.

(AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

Congrats B-Stu

As silly as it sounds, I thought it was too soon for Crosby to win the Cup. He'll win it eventually, but this year wasn't his time. Who knows whether or not Malkin was injured but that boy will need to step it up in the Finals next time if he wants to see his team succeed. It was refreshing to see him finally score a goal, but his team needed to see him notch his first goal of the Finals in Game 1 not on the brink of elimination. The Pens have a great team and with minor adjustments they'll continue to be fierce competitors for seasons to come. Both teams put on a great show and I can't help but wonder who will play for the Cup next season.

Kings World Podcast

Connie and I decided to take our ramblings about the Kings and turn them into a podcast! We introduce to you:

Kings World Podcast

06/10/08 UPDATE:
We moved our podcast to Podbean, so hopefully it'll be easier for listeners to access: Kings World Podcast

You can also find an embeddable player on the left side and you can subscribe to our podcast through iTunes.

In our first episode we introduce ourselves and discuss the Kings Roundtable we attended this past Saturday. All feedback and questions can be directed to our email address: kingsworldpodcast[at]gmail[dot]com. Enjoy!!

Triple OT...It's Going to End Here.

After the Pens tied it up and the horn sounded the end of regulation, I boldly predicted that Detroit was going to end it easily in the first OT. Oops...not quite.

Is it just me or does it seem like Zetterberg is ALWAYS on the ice? Through 5 periods he's played 34:42. And Lidstrom? A whopping 42:04. But the most minutes thus far? Whitney with an astonishing 44:51.

Will Doc please stop saying, "Next goal wins it!" Yes, we know. It's called sudden death.

And I don't normally get squeamish when a pucks hits the bullseye that is a player's face, but for some reason I didn't react well when Malone got hit. I think it grossed me out because he never covered his face as he got up and skated to the bench. He just bent over and let the blood drip off him...into Devorski's hand. *blech*

(Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images)

He ain't pretty no more.

We Take a Break From Hockey for...the Lost Season Finale

I always thought it was Ben.

I can't believe it's Locke.

*sigh*

I'm actually really sad about this.

My only hope is that in some weird Lost way,

it isn't really true.

Anticlimactic

I don't think Games 1 and 2 of the SCF have been boring, I think they've been anticlimactic. There's still hard hits, intensity, fierceness, great scoring, decent goaltending, etc...it's just that it's all coming from Detroit. I had high expectations for this series and I think the majority of hockey fans did too. Pittsburgh rolled into the Finals looking like the top dog but in the first two games of the Finals, Detroit has completely exposed all of Pittsburgh's weaknesses and for all non-hardcore Detroit fans, this has led to an anticlimactic start for the Finals. For the sake of hockey fans everywhere, I hope Pittsburgh regroups and figures out, at least the very, how to stay competitive.

(more after the jump)


Now, I know Osgood was bumped into, but good Lord is he a fantastic actor!! I really, really hope that a ref will call him for diving the next time he unleashes his inner Hasek. Be a man Osgood, if your team is way up, is it really necessary for you to embellish the minor contact?

(AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn)

Leave the diving to Hasek.

When the fiance first saw Crosby's "beard" he said, "He looks like a 15-year old Mexican going through puberty."

(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)
Just use a sharpie to fill it in

2008 SCF...About Time

My Conference Final predictions were pretty shotty. Whatevs, I was rooting for the underdogs, but in the end they just got spanked. As I try to figure out why the heck it's raining in SoCal right now I suppose I'll also make my prediction for the Cup Winner: Pittsburgh. But I kinda want to change it to Detroit...alright, I'm sticking with Pittsburgh.

I don't care who wins the Cup, but not because I've stopped caring about the playoffs. I'll be happy to see either team win because both teams have proven they deserve to be in the Finals. Detroit had a couple rough games against Nashville but I think those were good for the team. Except for those losses I don't think Detroit played a bad game through the next two rounds. Likewise, Pittsburgh also seems unstoppable.

I just hope that everyone's predictions for an intense, close series pan out. I'll be very disappointed if one team falls flat and lets the other ease to Cup Glory. It's hard to believe we're already at the Finals and soon it'll be the off-season for everyone. I know it's a lame statement and that all of us make it every year, but every season it's the same routine, an especially long one for Kings fans.

Cheers to a great finale.

It's What I've Always Wanted

According to the item description on the NHL.com shop:

You can add hockey design to your wardrobe and carry all of your money and personal belongings in this Little Earth NHL® team Fender Flair purse. The purse is formed from 2 recycled aluminum license plates with tear-shaped, nickel-plated steel end caps and hundreds of Swarovski crystals. The officially licensed purse has a velvet lining with pocket and a 21-in leather strap with contrast stitching for easy carrying.

Don't get me wrong, I like being feminine. I like wearing make-up. I like wearing clothes that fit me. I'm gradually becoming interested in nice shoes. I'm learning to like shopping for clothes. But that purse?! Who in the world designed that piece of crap? Who did the designer have in mind when that purse was created? I don't even know what part of the purse is the worst.

x-posted to HLOG

I Heart Kopi

IIHF

"Lucky penny?? Is that you??
Ohhh, nevermind. It's just a puck."

I heart Kopi.

Is it October yet?

2008 Playoffs: Third Round Predictions

The Dallas/SJ game on Sunday was unbelievable and I've been in hockey withdrawal every since. I don't know what I'm going to do once the playoffs are over...

Just in case you forgot, I was 4 for 8 in my first round predictions but I was 4 for 4 in my second round predictions. Woohoo!! That means...I got lucky. Let's see if my luck can continue:

Eastern Conference
(2) Pittsburgh v. (6) Philly
Philly in 7

I honestly have no idea who's going to win this series. Every time I think Pitt will win I begin to have doubts. Yet I also have doubts about Philly's capabilities to knock out Pittsburgh. Because I don't want my prediction to be "I don't know", I'm going to say that Philly has a slight edge over Pittsburgh. I think Biron is a better goaltender than M-A Fleury and I also don't think MAF and the rest of the Pens have really been tested yet in the playoffs. Pittsburgh may have two really solid forward lines, but I think Philly has more depth across all four lines. Both teams have a very aggressive, in-your-face power play so it'll be interesting to see how each team's PK unit will be able to hold up in this series. I think Philly has more toughness and grit, which could potentially wear down the Pens and possibly be a deciding factor in what should be a great series.

Western Conference
(1) Detroit v. (5) Dallas
Dallas in 6

I was way off in my number of games prediction for the Detroit/Colorado series. But then again, did anyone honestly think Detroit was going to spank Colorado? I think that series will end up hurting Detroit in this round because while the Red Wings coasted to four easy victories, Dallas is on a huge upswing from their battles with San Jose. I've backed Dallas since the start of the playoffs and I'm not letting go of them. I become more and more a fan of the team every time I watch them play. I didn't know much about Morrow last year and was confused why Modano was stripped of the captaincy so that Morrow could take it. Now, I have no question in my mind why Morrow is the captain of the Dallas squad. If you haven't watched him play in the playoffs yet you're depriving yourself of some really good skills, heart, determination, and leadership. I think Dallas can kick out Detroit and advance to the Cup Finals.

Luc, You're Mine!

The Hermano saw my blog post about not wanting to spend $40 on sponsoring Luc Robitaille on Hockey-Reference.com and did what every good older brother would do: give me an early birthday gift by payin for my blog to sponsor Luc! (although I'm not quite sure when it'll show up...)

He also decided to sponsor Dustin Brown and Kelly Hrudey with his non-hockey related blog, Tacos y Ramen. Hrudey is probably one of his most favorite goaltenders so I completely understood that sponsorship and I guess he has some kind of mancrush for Brownie.

Some might say, "What a stupid birthday gift!" But you don't understand the gift-giving dynamic between us. Our birthdays fall within 10 days of each other so every birthday month and Christmas we ask each other what we want (usually a DVD, book, or gift card) and that's what we buy. There's usually no suspense in what the other one bought and frankly, that's what I like. I would hate to feign happiness about a shitty gift my brother gave me and it makes the gift-buying process very easy. Usually I'll ask for something that I want but just haven't gotten around to buying, either because I can't justify buying it for myself (i.e., sponsoring Luc) or I know it'll be an easy gift for someone else to buy me. Regardless, it's always something that I want and am happy to receive, which is why when my hermano told me he sponsored Luc for me, I laughed my ass off (because I couldn't believe he did it) and was entirely ecstatic.

All I can say is, "Thanks, Hermano!" It's good to see that he's using his salary from his over-paying job to show our support for the LA Kings.

x-posted to HLOG

Luc, I Just Can't Do It

Mirtle and Barry Melrose Rocks wrote about the ability to "sponsor" hockey players on Hockey-Reference.com. BMR submitted a sponsor for none other than Barry Melrose for a mere $10/year.

I quickly made my way to Hockey-Reference.com because I desperately wanted to sponsor my all-time favorite Kings player, Luc Robitaille. But I was immediately taken aback when I found out I would have to pony up $40/year to sponsor my beloved hockey player. $40?! $40? I could easily pay $10 without hesitating but $40 stopped me dead in my tracks. I can't do it people. I cannot pay $40 to have this blog linked to Lucky Luc's name. $40 could buy me...half a pair of shoes, a couple hockey books, 10 packs of hockey cards, or a tank of gas for my Civic (that I'll use up in a week), ummm....shit. Am I being cheap right now? Am I being unreasonable? Should I just fork over the $40? For what? Is it worth it? I'm losing my mind over this decision!

I Love Hockey Because...

hockey players aren't pansies like some NBA players. I'd be embarrassed to have this guy on my team:

(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Waaaaaaaahhhhhh!!!

Now I admit, he was fouled, he did get a hand to the face. But the only reason he should have stayed down for as long as he did, clutching his face in agonizing pain, was if the Hornets player had plucked Bowen's eye out of its socket. Sure enough, after the trainers attended to him and helped him off the floor, he was smiling and ready to play, no visible gash anywhere on his face. I was so disgusted by his acting and P told me how this guy is known for his embellishments. I'd like to see Bowen take a puck to the face or a stick to the face like Drury did today:

(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Even Drury is a man

Drury briefly went down but immediately got up and skated to the bench, blood pouring down his face, jersey, and onto the ice. I love hockey and the toughness the players exhibit every time they step onto the ice.

Meet and Greet with Barbs

This past Saturday Kings goaltender Jason LaBarbera was signing autographs at a local Staples Store. Ckim, her friend, and I made the trip to the Staples store that was located next to Silver Reign, a gentleman's club.

We thought about stopping in for the lunch buffet.

I decided not to bring my last 2003 Commemorative Puck and instead brought a 2005-2006 Upper Deck LaBarbera hockey card. I didn't buy many cards that season so it's a bit of a miracle that I actually had his card. Here's a pic of my signed card and a pic of the two of us.

I really like his autograph.

I forgot that he's 6'4"...and I'm not.

He's only the third hockey player I've "met" so I wasn't sure what to expect. Two weeks ago I went to the Frolov signing event and was a bit disappointed by his body language. He just looked so bored and uninterested in being there. I missed the second meet and greet with Derek Armstrong. Ckim was there and said he was much friendlier than Fro and instead of sitting in his throne the entire time (like Fro did) Army actually stood up for every photograph. Barbs was very nice during the entire time, stood up for every photograph, was very patient. I hope every hockey player I meet will be as nice and as caring for the fans as Barbs.

Second Round Predictions!

I was 4 for 8 in my first round predictions. Not too shabby, although I bet my dead kitty could have done better.

Here are my Second Round Predictions!
I think 4 of the 5 remaining series will be very close and a complete crap shoot as to which team will win. The only series I think will be handily won is the Pittsburgh/NY series. I don't expect Pitt to sweep again but I think they'll look like the better team throughout the entire series even if they don't win every game.

Eastern Conference
(1) Montreal v. (6) Philadelphia
Philly in 7

(2) Pittsburgh v. (5) New York
Pittsburgh in 6

Western Conference
(1) Detroit v. (6) Colorado
Detroit in 7

(3) San Jose v. (5) Dallas
Dallas in 6

I originally picked Montreal to win the Cup, but I've changed my mind after watching Philly play. I think we could be looking at a Dallas/Philly Cup Finals. That would be quite awesome.