Coverage of National Hockey League's (NHL) Los Angeles Kings (LA Kings) & American Hockey League's (AHL) Ontario Reign by credentialed journalist Gann Matsuda
December 8, 2014 Leave a comment
LA Kings center Anze Kopitar has struggled this season, and head coach
Darryl Sutter tried to light a fire under him, and other players, after
practice on December 7, 2014, at the Toyota Sports Center
in El Segundo, California.
(click above to view larger image)
Photo: David Sheehan/CaliShooterOne Photography
As mentioned, a big problem has been slow starts.
September 27, 2014 8 Comments
COMMENTARY/ANALYSIS: How much truth is there behind Los Angeles Kings President/General Manager Dean Lombardi’s claim that, “…it ain’t me,” when discussing his role in his team winning two Stanley Cup Championships in the last three seasons? One look at the Kings’ team culture, which extends well beyond the dressing room, and has become just as important as the talent level of the team, will provide much of the answer. Final installment of a three-part series.
LA Kings President/General Manager Dean
Lombardi, shown here addressing the crowd
at their 2014 Stanley Cup Championship rally at
Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 16, 2014.
(click to view larger image)
Photo: David Sheehan/CaliShooterOne Photography
Instead, Lombardi stressed that his team would be built by drafting young players and taking the time to develop them—their skills and their character—in the minor leagues. He would build a team in which, as he said when he was hired on April 21, 2006, “…every one of them who puts on a Kings jersey, no matter where they go, feels ‘once a King, always a King.’”
As the Kings fought their way through the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs, overcoming adversity became a common theme. Indeed, they had to claw and scratch their way back from a 3-0 series deficit in the opening round against San Jose to win that series, 4-3. They won three seven-game series in which they faced elimination, and they came back from two-goal deficits to win games time after time after time.
September 21, 2014 5 Comments
Center Mike Richards spoke to the media on Day 2 of the
Los Angeles Kings 2014 training camp on September 20, 2014,
at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, California.
(click above to view larger image)
Photo: David Sheehan/FrozenRoyalty.net
However, some new tidbits surfaced, including a commitment each player made before they all went their separate ways for the summer.
September 21, 2014 5 Comments
Defenseman Alec Martinez spoke to the media on Day 2 the Los Angeles Kings 2014 training camp on September 20, 2014,
at the Toyota Sports Center in El Segundo, California.
(click above to view larger image)
Photo: David Sheehan/FrozenRoyalty.net
On both days, players touched on their goals for the season and about the chance they have to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions.
But on Day 2, Alec Martinez and Justin Williams talked about the hunger the Kings have to win it again this season. Another player, one who struggled mightily last season, center Mike Richards, is probably even hungrier, given that he is seeking redemption after a poor 2013-14 season.
June 13, 2014 Leave a comment
LA Kings right wing Justin Williams
(click above to view larger image
Photo: Gann Matsuda/FrozenRoyalty.net
Indeed, the Kings headed to John F. Kennedy International Airport right after the game, boarding their charter for the nearly 5 1/2-hour, coast-to-coast flight back to Los Angeles.
“[The flight] was fine. Had a good Chilean Sea Bass,” said center Jarret Stoll, eliciting laughter from the media. “It was good. Food was great. Really good catering last night. Got a good three hours of sleep.”
The Kings eat quite well on their charter flights. But rest is often an entirely different matter, and as Stoll indicated, they did not get much sleep on the plane, and probably not much more that morning, given their 3:36 AM PDT arrival at Los Angeles International Airport. As such, it was surprising to see that some players chose to skate on Thursday afternoon, despite the lack of rest.
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