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Bob Miller And Nick Nickson: 2012 Playoff Expectations Started Low For LA Kings, But Quickly Skyrocketed

FROZEN ROYALTY EXCLUSIVE: Even though only one pair of Los Angeles Kings broadcasters got to work throughout the playoffs this past season, they all had their own views on the Kings as they tore through the playoffs. But what is most interesting, although maybe not surprising, is that each of them had slightly different expectations going into the post-season. In part six of this series, play-by-play announcers Bob Miller and Nick Nickson share their thoughts on the 2011-12 Los Angeles Kings, and their incredible run through the playoffs. Check back next week for what color commentators Daryl Evans and Jim Fox had to say on the topic.


After 39 years, Los Angeles Kings television play-by-play announcer
Bob Miller got his opportunity to hoist the Stanley Cup after the Kings
won it for the first time in franchise history on June 11, 2012, with
radio play-by-play announcer Nick Nickson (left), and team
captain Dustin Brown (right) looking on.
(click above to view larger image)
Photo courtesy Bob Miller

LOS ANGELES — Nine months ago, despite sky high expectations, the Los Angeles Kings were not scoring goals, and, as a result, were struggling to remain in contention for a playoff berth.

But a coaching change, the recall of two forwards from the minor leagues who no one expected anything from, and a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline, combined to help lead the Kings from being on the verge of missing the post-season to the first Stanley Cup Championship in the 45-year history of the franchise.

Looking back to December, “bleak” does not begin to describe the Kings’ Read more of this post

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Anything Is Possible On July 1, But LA Kings Not Expected To Be Big Players In Unrestricted Free Agent Market

New Jersey Devils forward Zach Parise is the top prize
in the 2012 unrestricted free agent frenzy.
Photo: Noah Graham/NHLI via Getty Images and the Los Angeles Kings

LOS ANGELES — On this, the eve of the Stanley Cup leaving town for the next six to eight weeks, as it begins its tour with Los Angeles Kings players during their “days with the Cup,” it is also the day of the “feeding frenzy,” otherwise known as the first day that National Hockey League teams can sign unrestricted free agents.

The grand prize out there this summer is forward Zach Parise, who is expected to get big offers from the Minnesota Wild, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Detroit Red Wings, in addition to his current team, the New Jersey Devils. Read more of this post

2012 Stanley Cup Final: New Jersey Devils Are Better Late In A Playoff Series

Logo courtesy National Hockey League

The New Jersey Devils are back in the friendly confines of the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, after finally getting a win in the 2012 Stanley Cup Final against the Los Angeles Kings in Game 4 of their best-of-seven series on June 6, avoiding a four-game sweep.

To their credit, the Devils could have easily gotten frustrated and down on themselves heading into Game 4. Instead, they came out with their best performance of the series, following a similar pattern of playing their best in Games 4-7 of a playoff series this season.

“I don’t have an explanation for that, said Devils head coach Peter DeBoer after Game 4. “I haven’t found a significant jump in our play in the second half of a series. I just think we find a way to get everything clicking, where early in the series some things haven’t worked.” Read more of this post

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