NHL Thread

[KPENN]

for about 5 or 6 years, he averaged about 35+ goals a year (i think when he played for FLA) - that was only after he left the kings. A 35+ goal scorer would be a GOD on the kings. he may not be scoring that now, but here is another player that left the kings organization to achieve success.

Yeah, but from everything I've heard he's a bad teammate and a locker room cancer. And it's not like he's an elite player where you look back and think.... Why'd we trade that guy? He's been decent, but he's not a huge difference maker.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

for about 5 or 6 years, he averaged about 35+ goals a year (i think when he played for FLA) - that was only after he left the kings. A 35+ goal scorer would be a GOD on the kings. he may not be scoring that now, but here is another player that left the kings organization to achieve success.

Yeah, it is just about a given that any forward that leaves the Kings will score 30+ goals for at least a few years. Frolov is going to probably light the lamp 40 times next season.

 

[KPENN]

I get that he's scored 30+ goals 4 times in his career, but it's olli frickin jokinen. His other seasons have been mediocre or bad and he's not a big time player. Wanna know when I knew the flyers made the playoffs? When the ranger announcer said the season is on olli jokinen's stick. Lol

 

[KPENN]

GoIrish i just saw that the Kings are back in the race for Kovy.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

GoIrish i just saw that the Kings are back in the race for Kovy.

I have been hitting refresh on the Kings site like a madman today. I can't believe the roller coaster this has been. Going on a week in the free agency period, but it has really gone on since the Kings were rumored to be in the hunt at the trade deadline. I am so sick of hearing Kovalchuk's name.

I still really think he is headed to the KHL. I think this whole thing with the NHL negotiations are smoke and mirrors. I could be wrong, but I think the money is too big for him in Russia. Especially after the deal Nabakov signed today with the same team in Russia that is couring Kovy.

Appparently, the sticking point in the negotiations are that the Kings want to front load Kovy's contract in the early years and he wants consistent money for the duration. I don't really understand that logic because an $80 million contract is an $80 million contract, isn't it. Who cares if you "only" get 2 or 3 million in the last years of your contract?

 

[KPENN]

I have been hitting refresh on the Kings site like a madman today. I can't believe the roller coaster this has been. Going on a week in the free agency period, but it has really gone on since the Kings were rumored to be in the hunt at the trade deadline. I am so sick of hearing Kovalchuk's name.

I still really think he is headed to the KHL. I think this whole thing with the NHL negotiations are smoke and mirrors. I could be wrong, but I think the money is too big for him in Russia. Especially after the deal Nabakov signed today with the same team in Russia that is couring Kovy.

Appparently, the sticking point in the negotiations are that the Kings want to front load Kovy's contract in the early years and he wants consistent money for the duration. I don't really understand that logic because an $80 million contract is an $80 million contract, isn't it. Who cares if you "only" get 2 or 3 million in the last years of your contract?

Yeah he's either headed tp the KHL or Jersey. The money thing it still averages out the same some players like to see the money early so they know they have it right away no matter what, some like to spread it out. And of course organizations would like to shell out the money when they know they have it, so it doesn't kill there budget down the road. Its still a equal cap hit just players preferance. At least the way i understand it.

 

[TDHeysus]

currently, the kings need about 4 or 5 more plays like this one (below) in order to advance thru the playoffs. They need to over achieve in just about every playoff series to advance. it makes for an exciting team, but you cant count on it night after night. you need the talent, and talent cost $$$$.

I'd rather them go for Kovalchuk, put it all on the table. If the fail, then they fail, so what. at least they tried. Or they can be like the Dodgers and watch the window of opportunity go by. What do they have to lose? If it gets real bad, they cut his ass, and lose $$$$. Winning solves all problems, if Kovalchuk comes here and the kings win, ppl will love him.

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The kings lost the series....

 

[KPENN]

This is off topic, but I liked those uniforms.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

They need to over achieve in just about every playoff series to advance. it makes for an exciting team, but you cant count on it night after night. you need the talent, and talent cost $$$$.

I'd rather them go for Kovalchuk, put it all on the table. If the fail, then they fail, so what. at least they tried. Or they can be like the Dodgers and watch the window of opportunity go by. What do they have to lose? If it gets real bad, they cut his ass, and lose $$$$. Winning solves all problems, if Kovalchuk comes here and the kings win, ppl will love him.

The kings lost the series....

I don't know if the Kings will really be considered "over achievers" anymore. They were a solid sixth seed in the playoff this year. If they finish in 4th or 5th (the highest they can finish without winning the Pacific Division) I am not sure you can consider that "over achieving". That is more just building off a solid season.

There is no reason Kopitar won't be as prolific a scorer as Kovalchuk next year. Kovalchuk had 85 points this past regular season (41 goals, 44 assists). Kopitar had 81 points (34 goals, 47 assists) and he is a much better defensive forward. Kopi also did it with a constantly rotating first line - Ryan Smyth 67 games played, Justin Williams 49 games played. Kopi has the ability to be THAT kind of player next season. I don't think we necessarily need the marquee winger. What I think we need is some bulk and toughness. Not an enforcer, but a d-man that can bring the lumber in front of the net. Kings got pushed around in a few games last season and they need that guy to push back.

I think the price tag for Kovalchuk would put the organization in a bind to sign guys like Doughty, Simmonds, Bernier, and other prospects coming up through the ranks. Especially if the CBA lowers the salary cap in coming years.

 

[TDHeysus]

after re-opening talks with him, apparently they are out of the discussion, again.

NHL free agency: Los Angeles Kings, Ilya Kovalchuk talks end a second time - ESPN

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

after re-opening talks with him, apparently they are out of the discussion, again.

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It is crazy. I don't know who is jerking who around in all this, but I really think the fans are paying the price. Kovalchuk isn't endearing himself to fans anywhere by doing this. I know at this point it is mostly the agents and lawyers, but he has to take some responsibility in all this. I mean, he turned down a $100 million offer from Atlanta back before the trade deadline and now he has allegedly turned down similar offers. I think people are really desensitized as to how much money that is and he is turning up his nose to it.

I have been saying all along I think he ends up in the KHL. He wants money. If it was about him playing for a contender or in a better location, the deal would have been done much quicker.

 

[KPENN]

If I was the kings I'd tell him to fuck off and not to call back.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

If I was the kings I'd tell him to fuck off and not to call back.

I'm with you. I read on one of the blogs about where someone did an analysis if New Jersey were to resign him in the $10 mil level, what they would have to do to get under the salary cap by the start of the season. They would have to have something like 8 or 9 guys on the active roster with salaries in the $500K to $800K range. Not exactly top tier and/or proven NHL talent. I found that really interesting. Sure you have Kovalchuk, but what else would you really have available?

I hope the Kings can grab someone like Parise or another good player in the Devil's salary dump fest that is sure to take place after they resign Kashacheck.

 

[KPENN]

I like Parise's game a lot. He's about the only Devil I'd want on the flyers. He's got some serious game. I really don't know what Kovy is thinking. I'm to the pont where I just want his selfish ass to sign in the KHL so we all can be rid of him.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

I like Parise's game a lot. He's about the only Devil I'd want on the flyers. He's got some serious game. I really don't know what Kovy is thinking. I'm to the pont where I just want his selfish ass to sign in the KHL so we all can be rid of him.

I don't know what Kovy is thinking either. Between him and Lebron, it really sickens me how much money these guys are commanding. I know it is entertainment and big business and all that, but it has gotten out of hand. A hundred million dollars is such an enormous sum of money. You really can't talk about it in terms of taking care of family or long term security anymore either. That is such a huge sum of money that you really have to invent new ways to spend it.

I remember when Shaq first came to the Lakers. I was living in the South Bay of LA at the time and he bought a place in Manhattan Beach. He bought a Mercedes and put a fish tank in the trunk. I mean, c'mon! What is the point of that? Well, he obviously didn't think it through because it gets hot in the trunk and all the fish died.

My point is, you start doing pointless purchases just because you have an unbelievable amount of money. It is obscene, really.

 

[KPENN]

Lol. Shaq is even dumber then i thought. A f'ing fish tank in trunk. What a moron

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

Lol. Shaq is even dumber then i thought. A f'ing fish tank in trunk. What a moron

I saw it with my own eyes. He was showing it to some girls outside a bar in Hermosa Beach. Saw him again a few weeks later and he was telling someone all the fish died. Too funny.

 

[TDHeysus]

2010 NHL free agency: Why is Ilya Kovalchuk still on the market? - ESPN

lombardi is looking for flexibilty - Kovy and his agent dont seem to want to budge. It sounds like they are too close to not get the deal done. Lombardi doesnt seem to argue the $$$$, more so how the contract would be constructed and how the CBA will affect the salary cap. If lombardi is the one that broke off talks, maybe he is playing hardball, thinking that Kovalchuk and his agent will be more flexible.



Article quotes:
"Arguably the most valuable unrestricted free agent in NHL history -- especially when you account for age and talent (for years, the UFA minimum age was 32 and then 31)"

"Kings GM Dean Lombardi, who once again broke off talks with the Kovalchuk camp on Wednesday, is adamant that he needs a cap-friendly deal if he's going to take on Kovalchuk."

"So, if Kovalchuk ever comes back to the Kings' table for a third time, he'll need to adjust his demands."

"In the end, everyone I've talked to around the league believes Kovalchuk really wants to be a Los Angeles King. This is where it will get interesting with Grossman and his client. Grossman has made a lot of money for his clients over the years, most notably Nikolai Khabibulin and most recently Anton Volchenkov. The dude knows how to get big contracts. But he's in a jam here. His client wants to play in L.A., and the Kings will not budge from their cap-friendly contract demands."

 

[KPENN]

Hey TD or GoIrish it seems like the both of you have been following the Kings for a while. I was wondering what was it like in LA when the Kings got Gretzky? A little off topic I know, but with all the Lebron talk and him leaving and the excitement in Miami I was wondering what the reaction was about getting Gretzky seeing LA was seen a an usual hockey market.

 

[TDHeysus]

the kings actually were starting to make some noise in the years before they got Gretz(bernie nichols, jimmy carson, martin gelinas, steve duchene were exciting players). Bruce McNall had purchased the team and the Kings 'landscape' had started to change, there was an excitement about the kings even before Gretz was acquired. McNall spent money for players and wanted to make the kings a winner. They changed their colors to plata y negro and then merchandising and the fanbase blew up, all of sudden hollywood stars were seen at Kings games.

Gretz came, they made the playoffs and I believe the first team they faced was none other than Edmonton, and they actually won. After years of being 1 of only 5 teams in the NHL to miss the playoff every year, the kings won the Smythe division on 89! And I believe came in 2nd in 1990. They acquired players like Kelly Hrudey and other ex edmonton players were acquired later in trades too. Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, and obviously Marty McSorley and Krushelnyski came over with Gretz. Years of momentum had started to build and the beginning the 92-93 season expectations were high for the kings, but gretz had back problems that year and missed alot of games. They ended up in the 7th seed and beat the maple leafs in the campbell conference finals (i was there for game 6 at the forum, gretz won in OT) and then scored a hat trick plus game winner in game 7 at toronto in one of the greatest displays of a leadership in hockey history (I think a close 2nd to Messier while in NY guranteeing the win at NJ) After they lost the cup to the Canadiens in 93, the team rather quickly fell apart. When Robitallie was traded, it was like when Piazza left the dodgers, all the 'air' went out the organization. Kings owner Bruce Mcnall, was up to shady stuff and had to sell the kings and was eventually jailed for fraud or something like that. Gretz was gone a few years later after a couple bad years for the kings. it all ended with a wimper, very king-like.

The Kings have been wallowing in mediocrity ever since. Until last year...if you watched the playoff games against VAN you saw what it was like when Gretz was there. The atmosphere was electric, it truly was. The excitement for those playoffs games was really something to see - it was similar to the atmosphere when gretz was here.

KPENN - not sure if this is exactly what you were asking about, I just rattled off stuff I can remember during the time gretz came to LA.


This reminds me of another kings player that was ran out of town, only to achieve success later. This guy was vilified in the press, ppl said he couldnt even get the puck out of his own end without turning it over. This player was Daryl Sydor, he went to Dallas and was a major contributer on that Brett Hull-Dallas team that won the cup.

Rob Blake had a great career with the Kings, left the kings and won a cup wiith Patrick Roy and the Avalanche. Ian Laperierre was on that team too (ex king). I think the Kings got Adam Deadmarsh in this deal, so I guess they didnt get totally screwed, for once

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

TD- great summation of recent Kings history. You brought up some great memories.

That Toronto series in '92-'93 was amazing. I didn't get to any games because I was at school out of state, but it was still amazing on TV.

This past season, game 3 of the VAN series was one of the most incredible sports experiences of my life. Staples Center was incredible. I have never, ever heard an LA crowd that loud and THAT in to a game. You couldn't even hear David Courtney announce the starting lineups it was so loud.

If the Kings had just held on in the third period of game 4, it might have been a completely different series. Who knows?

I have been a Kings fan since my first game in 1976 at the Fabulous Forum. I have been through the ebb and flow of Kings popularity and it is starting to come back again. If the Kings can have another playoff team (with or without Kovalchuk), I think there will be a resurgence again. If they can parlay the success they had last season in to an improvement this season.

 

[TDHeysus]

game 6 GW goal against the leafs at the Great Western Forum.

The funny part about the Fraser's non-call on Gretz; the whole game the entire forum (charged for the electric playoff atomsphere) relentlessly chanted 'Fra-ser Sucks', "Fra-ser Sucks', 'Fra-ser Sucks" and in the end it was his non-call on Gretz that lead to the GW goal in OT

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[choo choo]

still lovin my preds!!!!!!

 

[KPENN]

GoIrish.... Kings and Kovy are starting talks..... Yet again.

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

GoIrish.... Kings and Kovy ate starting talks..... Yet again.

UGH! This is ridiculous! I hope this seals it one way or another. On this trip to LA, I hope they either just sign him or tell him to "takesy a hikesy comrade" (in my best Russian accent)! I want to blow my brains out reading all the LA fans who claim to know what is going on or have a "reliable source" about the negotiations. It is seriously worse than this place at the height of the recruiting cycle. More conjecture, assumptions, rumors, and false hopes than I have ever seen in my life.

I am over it. I am not a big fan of signing the guy in the first place, but now it is just getting absurd. S**t or get off the pot. A couple posters are complaining because they are ready to order their Kovalchuk jerseys, but they don't know if he is going to have #17 which Wayne Simmonds already has or #71 as he had for his Olympic number. C'mon! Really? That's your big gripe with this whole thing?

I can't wait for September 3rd and ND football. Then actual hockey is only about 4 weeks after that and life will be good again.

 

[KPENN]

UGH! This is ridiculous! I hope this seals it one way or another. On this trip to LA, I hope they either just sign him or tell him to "takesy a hikesy comrade" (in my best Russian accent)! I want to blow my brains out reading all the LA fans who claim to know what is going on or have a "reliable source" about the negotiations. It is seriously worse than this place at the height of the recruiting cycle. More conjecture, assumptions, rumors, and false hopes than I have ever seen in my life.

I am over it. I am not a big fan of signing the guy in the first place, but now it is just getting absurd. S**t or get off the pot. A couple posters are complaining because they are ready to order their Kovalchuk jerseys, but they don't know if he is going to have #17 which Wayne Simmonds already has or #71 as he had for his Olympic number. C'mon! Really? That's your big gripe with this whole thing?

I can't wait for September 3rd and ND football. Then actual hockey is only about 4 weeks after that and life will be good again.

I know this whole process with him has been so ridiculous. If I was the Kings I'd say either we get this done right now or don't bother calling back. I just want Kovy signed cause once he does everyone elses teams will fall into place

 

[GO IRISH!!!]

I know this whole process with him has been so ridiculous. If I was the Kings I'd say either we get this done right now or don't bother calling back. I just want Kovy signed cause once he does everyone elses teams will fall into place

It will be interesting to see how this shakes things up when (or if) he signs. A lot of dominos will fall once Kovy puts pen to paper. Maybe not so much if he signs with the Kings, but if he signs with the Devils, it will be interesting to see what shakes loose. I still think there is a good chance Kovy says F-you and goes ends up in the KHL. I wouldn't be surprised if he is drawing out the courting process as long as possible only to go for the big money in Russia.

 

[KPENN]

I know this has nothing to do with any signing or news, but god damn do I miss hockey.

 

[TDHeysus]

I know this has nothing to do with any signing or news, but god damn do I miss hockey.

yep - my NHL2010 easports addiction makes it a little easier to handle. NHL 2011 will be out next month

 

[KPENN]

yep - my NHL2010 easports addiction makes it a little easier to handle. NHL 2011 will be out next month

I know. The one game that EA makes good. Hopefully they keep the trend up.