alt="LA Kings Insider with Rich Hammond" />After the Kings’ season-opening 6-3 loss to Phoenix, some hack started his game story with, “Playoff seasons are not built on home losses to the Phoenix Coyotes.”
In my defense, I say…hey, who knew?
For those trying to speculate on when the Kings’ first-round home games will be, unfortunately there’s little more to be done than speculate right now. I do know that first-round games will start on either Wednesday, April 14 or Thursday, April 15. First-round series TYPICALLY go every other day, so — assuming the Kings don’t make a miraculous push and capture the fourth spot — it’s likely that Game 3 at Staples Center will be on Sunday, April 18 or Monday, April 19. But it’s impossible to predict, particularly since the arena will be scheduling Lakers playoff games at the exact same time. Obviously, if I hear anything, I’ll pass it along ASAP.
Just hearing “Kings” and “playoffs” in the same sentence is sweet enough, Rich. Thanks!!!
As long as all the games are on TV and in HD I’ll be happy. I can’t wait!
Aw Rick,
You’re not just some hack. You’re our hack.
@Skebo,
Agreed!
Haha good one Rich. Maybe it got the team fired up, and maybe some Coyote fan told Tippet about our heckling. GO KINGS!
I’ve got my tickets for game four. I’m praying for a sweep by the Kings!
Got my playoff tickets for game 1 and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve waited a long time for this and I can’t wait for the game! I’ve been a fan for about 3 decades and this is probably the most excited I’ve ever been about our team! Regardless of the outcome of our quest for the cup, I am very proud of our boys and what they’ve accomplished this season :) GO KINGS GO!!!
I’ll be there in section 114!!!!
Can somebody tell me when Game 3 is scheduled to take place?
@Kevin Y,
Sorry, maybe I should’ve actually read the post…
I’ve got my tickets, just need to clear it up at work. I’m sure they’d understand if I had to call in “sick” :)
@Kevin Y, you are not alone, I have already told work that I may need a few days off in a couple of weeks. A road trip to Phx would be a blast.
I am kind of glad the hack stuck around.
hack…?
never…!
gladly, RICH, you’ll have another opportunity to start another season for us…: the post-season…
thanks, RICH…
@jet,
I had no idea the ‘Hawks moved to Phoenix, thanks for the update. ;)
@jet,
If the kings get the 5th seed….i will be at the games in phoenix…reppin the simmonds jersey!
First off. Congratulations to the Kings Organization, the players, coaches, staff including DL and TM and of course Hammy. Sorry Rich but Richie is taken (all the players have those endearing nicknames, and we consider YOU part of the team)…. Anyway, Rich: Here is perhaps a great idea. I as a fan, before starting the playoffs would like to see the Kings Organization bring back that campaign from the beginning of the season. Remember? The “Why We’re Here” campaign. King players gave statements of why they play in L.A. It would be great to see it again (refreshed of course). ….Ok…so; I am a season ticket holder in 315. I have been a fan since 92. Yes, I too joined the bandwagon in 92. And yes I am still here. I check this site every day but I avoid it when we lose because of all the negative comments. This is my first comment ever and would like to take this moment to remind US ALL of who we are. WE ARE KINGS FANS! Regardless of the outcome over the next few weeks, let’s enjoy; along with the players the good and bad. If we lose and get eliminated I will be the first one standing giving them an ovation. Luke and DL made a bold promise before the first game: PLAYOFFS! We’re here and I’m happy to be here. Today, we clinched! What does this day mean? Today is the first day of great things to come and we should all be excited about the future. We’ve been watching our Kings suck every year, but WE have been here thru the good and bad, and ups and downs. Regardless of what happens from here on out; we should be proud. As much as I wish this to be our year, think of the past and how far we’ve come. Think also of what the future is bringing. Now that we are about to be up there with the elite teams: what free agent next year wouldn’t love to come and play for us. Kings are now a team to be feared. We are no longer “the spoiler team”. Regardless of the outcome; as the “Goonies” would say: “IT’S OUR TIME, THIS IS OUR TIME”. Now; have fun and make the most of this journey. There are a few people WE Kings fans DO NOT need to come along though; as I soon will explain. I am proud to be a Kings fan and never jumped ship to join the other team down south…the ducks. Who are duck fans? Duck fans are young kids who have grown liking the team because Disney created that cute and mighty(?) image. Those kids parents “used” to be Kings fans. They joined the bandwagon because they got tired of waiting for this (our-day) to come. I have heard in the last month or so from at least 4 duck fans say: “Oh!…well I grew up a Kings fan but I like the Ducks, and I’ll be rooting for Kings too because I was a Kings fan before the Ducks”. Blah, blah, blah. Suck it!..We don’t want you back. Yes, they have a cup as “they” like to remind us. But their 15 minutes of fame is up….Also remember…We are KINGS FANS….we are NOT Dodger, Raider or Laker fans. Why do I say this? Saturday night while in line to the bathroom, some drunk and or course a new bandwagon idiot who bought a Kings jersey, got in a ducks fan face and started yelling at him to get out and go home. Very confrontational. For a moment I felt embarrassed to be wearing the same jersey that idiot was wearing. As the duck fan said: “Obviously a left over frustrated drunk Raider fan”. I couldn’t agree more. We don’t need your kind. It’s another reason why I no longer go to Dodger games. I want to be able to bring my family to a safe environment. When we win the Cup please don’t be “that guy”. Don’t ruin the Kings image and sport by beating up the opponent teams fans and show respect and PLEASE: DON’T destroy our city like the idiots who call themselves fans to the other tenants in Staples Center. Remember, rooting for a different team is like choosing religion or politics. We are all entitled to our choices. This is where the slogan Pride + Passion come into play. Let the players do the fighting and battle on the ice. It’s why they get paid the big bucks. After all, all we really are, are fans…KINGS FANS! So lets be proud….and: GO KINGS!!!
So what network we think will be broadcasting the Kings playoff games? Being in NH, I certainly hope the games aren’t regional coverage only.
Ugh, Lakers! I need the game to be on Sunday, and if not, then DEFINITELY Monday. There are only so many classes that I can skip! But hey, gotta have priorities.
Looking at http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL.html is getting even more interesting.
IF the Kings should stay in 7th (though they get the best odds to climb to 5th or 6th), these folks calculate the Sharks have better odds of being their first-round matchup, in 2nd seed, but only slightly. Still, I think it’s something to watch.
Most likely, they have the Kings at 5th or 6th, and the most likely seeds for 3rd and 4th are Canucks (which they have as a lock) and Yotes (which they have as a near-lock) respectively. Neither of those looks like a very good matchup.
So, ending 7th wouldn’t be the “end of the world” if it meant the Sharks, but if it meant the Hawks, I’d say that’s trouble.
Interestingly, the last game of the season may be between the 7th and 8th seed, and could determine seeds–what if the Kings would benefit from LOSING that game to play the team they match better against? No, I’m not suggesting it, just throwing the odd scenario out there.
@RQ@315,
I agree with you about some of our drunken fans being embarrassing. You might want to use paragraphs next time though.
@Kings Fan In Idaho,
VS will also have playoff games.
I will be in Southern California that week! I am anxiously awaiting for the release of the schedule to get my tickets! I will be at game 6, the one that we send our opponent home!!!
Let’s go KINGS!!!!!
@RQ@315,
If we’re going to give Rich a hockey nickname, I vote for “Hammer.”
@Tom in Colorado,
and not hearing ‘fail to make the’ in between those words is awesome!!!
go kings go!!!!
@blckbsct,
that will be game 4!
Perfect, I will be in Boston racing the marathon. I’m so glad I didn’t order my tickets. Hopefully I will be in town for round two, three and the finals!
@RQ@315, OMG, DITTO! I’m the same ‘92 fan, well… maybe 90..anyway, I am also a season tix holder (Not really 10 game weekend pack, cuz I live in the oc, and that’s all I can afford), but I feel the same way about the bandwagon “Raider/Dodger/Laker”fan, MOST of them are so classless and not only embarrass the Kings, but Hockey as a sport.
Oh, and I have NEVER been a Ducks fan and Never will. That’s just the way it is. Nothing against you, just the way I am. I have respect for the Ducks, but won’t root for them… unless it’s means a better position for the Kings in the playoffs!
So with that said THANK GOD the Kings have made it back, I won’t have to see the bandwagon hockey fans out here in the OC with there DUSHY Ducks flags hanging off of there cars. Regardless of the outcome… we were better than the Ducks this year!!! HA!
I’m ready to make the trip up through the CRAPPY 405 to the 110 traffic on any day to watch some KINGS PLAYOFF HOCKEY!!!! YES!!!! GO KINGS!
Thanks Rich for the OUTSTANDING coverage this year the years past and the years to come!
@Howe 9, Ha.. I think he’s just fired up! Typing away like a mad man!
@Howe 9, Sorry about my rant. It’s been a long 8 years. It’s my first time here and had a lot on my mind.
@Harry, if i am not mistaken fox sports will air the games as well, since the games over lap during the playoffs.
@Tim,
Little tip for you regarding the traffic in OC: I am a season ticket holder and if you leave by 5:30 (for a 7:30 game), you can make it up in a little over an hour. After 5:30, and its a crap shoot. I come up from very South OC and with the carpool lane, I can usually make it in just about an hour.
It was great just waking up this morning knowing that the Kings have MADE the playoffs! Even the rain/drizzle couldn’t bring me down! Go Kings!
I couldnt get two tix next to eachother for game 3, but i’ll be there at game 4 for sure. I was hoping to get both games in but I’ll take what i can get after 8 years.
@KingsFan in OC, Ya, that’s about right, I have a difficult time leaving around then.. I’ve left as late as 6:10 (ish) and made it in to see the drop of the puck.. lucky but it can happen. Thanks
@JPUCK,
section 114, row 16, seats 9-10
Game 1!
PLAYOFFS GO KINGS GO
section 114, row 16, seats 9-10
Game 1
@RQ@315, I’m with you on the first half of your book, but you lost me on the second half. Too much hyperbole, leaps of logic and false assumptions…
“We are kings fans….we are not dodger, raider or laker fans.”
As a native LA fan, I don’t appreciate lumping fans of the Dodgers and Lakers with Raider fans. The Raiders are in Oakland. They’ve been there a long, long time and those fans are in a low-class all by themselves and they’ve earned it. So stop with the comparisons. I’m a proud LA fan.
“It’s another reason why I no longer go to Dodger games.”
What? Dodger games aren’t safe? And that has something to do with the guy yelling at a Duck fan at Staples? Just because someone is confrontational doesn’t make him a Raider fan. Time to stop grouping all other fans together simply because it’s convenient for you… and grow a pair while you’re at it. Dodger games are very safe and I seem many, many families enjoying themselves. If you want to get a little rowdy, sit in the outfield.
“beating up the opponent,” “destroy our city”
Wow. Waaay over the top. So did the guy in the bathroom beat up the Duck fan? Are Kings fans beating up opponents I don’t know about? Is yelling the same thing as punching someone in the face? Did Laker fans beat up Orlando fans? Really? Laker fans “destroyed” our city? Really?
A few jackasses caused problems. Happens in every city, every time. That doesn’t make Laker fans equal to Raider fans. I get that confrontation makes you uncomfortable, but it in no way makes all those fans who speak out the same as the people who become violent.
So let’s clear up some main points in your hypersensitive post.
First, if you are a Laker fan, Dodger fan, or Kings fan, you have reason to be proud. The Lakers and Dodgers are class organizations and the Kings are finally making another dent in an otherwise dismal existence.
Second, you talk about respect and I’m all for it. But lest you forget, or perhaps you have never opened your eyes or ears at Staples during a Kings game, the opposing fans from many teams have been in the face of Kings fans for years. They come into our barn and routinely disrespect our club and our city.
It’s happened to me personally, without saying a word to start it, many, many times. You think I’m going to keep my mouth shut? No way. Does that make me a Raider fan? Not even close.
So, lets make a distinction between beating up a Nuck fan vs. shouting down opposing fans that continuously show disrespect. Quite frankly, I have no problem with that guy in the bathroom. I think it’s about time we let off a little steam as Kings fans and let the other clubs fans have it a bit. Making them feel uncomfortable in our house is a good idea and I encourage it. There is nothing wrong with it. You don’t have to worry about being caught in a riot just because someone raises their voice.
So don’t make the leap that shouting down their fans is somehow promoting violence. It isn’t. No matter what you do, someone will always start a fight. It happens at just about every sporting event in the world …and alcohol is usually involved. So if you want to improve on that, start a campaign against Staples center for serving alcohol because that, in and of itself, is the single biggest contributor to creating that unsafe environment you speak of.
Many of us are Lakers, Dodgers and… KINGS FANS! So let’s be proud…and: GO KINGS!!!
So I purchased tix for Playoff Game 1, Home Game 1. My understanding is that it will be for Game 3 of series (assuming kings don’t have home-field advantage). Hope that is accurate.
Based on past history, I am betting the Kings are on the road for Wednesday and Thursday games, then open at home on Saturday.
@Jeff, Wow, you remember that far back? ;)
@RQ@315,
The loss of civility in our society is a shame.
I agree, regardless of the outcome of the playoffs, this has been perhaps one of the 10 most enjoyable seasons dating back to the 70’s.
We finally have an organization in place that is flush with talent and will be fun to follow for years.
I can’t help but look past the playoffs and wonder what new talent will be added for the next season.
Its very exciting to know this is a team going somewhere that does not involve golf in April.
Thanks.
@Jeff,
With the Lakers also still playing, did they do day/night hockey/basketball doubleheaders?
@Tim, Yeah, I cruise up from Irvine and the 405-110 is usually pretty good for me, even riding solo. It always sucks between the 55 and Beach Blvd, but it’s usually pretty smooth from there. If I leave by 5:30 I’ll get to the parking lot around 6:30-7 at the latest. Can’t wait to make the drive for the playoffs!
@Space_Shot and @Tim,
Maybe we should put together an OC Kings Fan carpool. We can alternate drivers and the passengers can bring roadies!!!
I think you also pickrd the Kings ninth. Oh yee of little faith. Go Kings!
@RQ@315,
OKAY
For the record,
I was in the bathroom standing at the urinal minding my own business, when this guy with a duck jersey walks over and says “Nice”.
Now listen… I’m all for gay rights .. no on prop 8 and all but.. this was just the WRONG time. I mean first off, I’m MARRIED! Clearly he didn’t see the ring .. but second, the guy had more whiskey on his breath than any sane man should drink.
I looked at this dude and said .. “excuse me sir… i don’t care what your sexual orientation is but this is a family venue.”
This guy .. clearly annoyed at my rejection whispered as he turn he back to me “Yeah well all you Kings fans suck anyway.”
That’s when I had enough and yelled “GET OUTTA HERE YOU DUCK FAN!!! GO HOME!!”
So … yeah.
Things aren’t always as they seem.
The hack’s lead in was priceless. Another oddity in this season: proof that self-described hack writers often end up as radio or TV announcers. Who knew?
Given the season results as compared to the deserved zinger for game one article one, perhaps Mr. Hammond can write an article decrying the King’s play off chances? Can’t hurt apparently.
Thanks guys!!! We’ll do our part as the 7th man on ice come play-offs!
Nice! LOL. Way to go Matty. Don’t put up with that BS.
@kingsruleall,
You are correct. Whatever the first game at Staples is (Game 1 or Game 3) that is the “Playoff Game 1″ ticket. Works that way everywhere.
@What’s the frequency, Kenneth?, I’d definitely fear playing the Blackhawks first round, too. Thanks for the interesting link!
@Lv is the way,
I believe that if VS airs the game, it wont be on FSN. But if VS doesnt air the game due to an overlapping of games, then it will be on FSN.
Rich, thanks for all the great coverage this season. When you were on your Daily News website I thought it just couldn’t get any better. But it did thanks to the Kings willingness to put you in a position to give Kings fans more info in one season than we could have ever dreamed of!
Now not only do we have great insight into our club but we’re in the playoffs to boot! Thank you Rich and thank you Kings!
@BakoCAkingsCondorsGuy,
I remember the year we made it to round two, they did an afternoon basketball game and the Kings didn’t start until 8PM.
I have been to Premier League Football (soccer) games in England and the opposing teams are separated by a fence and police line….with separate entrances to the stadium….I hope our sports venues are not headed to that kind of drastic measures!! I have been a Kings fan for 42 years and am so excited about our Playoff future!! The long-time Kings fans will just have to get used to the new-bandwagon fans….but it will be worth it!!
@Matt George, LOL “NICE” HAHAHA!
@Wahine, With all due respect to singer Matthew Wilder:
Ain’t nothin’ gonna to break my stride
Nobody’s gonna slow me down, oh-no
I got to keep on movin’
Ain’t nothin’ gonna break my stride
I’m running and I won’t touch ground
Oh-no, I got to keep on movin’
Who cares? The news is that the Kings are in!
Possibly better news is that they are improving. DD,Simmer, JJ, Richie, JQ, and Kopi all had better years than last year and none of that group has peaked yet! Add to that the unexpected contributions from Parse, and Drewiske, and we have great reason to look forward to many competitive years ahead!
The silver lining is that the kings have so much talent Juniors and the minors that we can expect to look forward to a run much like Detroit and Colorado have had over the past fifteen or so years!
GO KINGS GO!!!
@Michael J., Oops, forgot to mention that I did only speak of the younger players on this team… DL has done a great job building this team!
This post is out of topic but I want to share some info regarding hockey in Slovenia this days as it is somehow connected with Kings.
On friday the series for national championship finished by 4:2 win in series for Jesenice (Kopi’s first club) against their biggest rivals Olimpija from Ljubljana.
Jesenice was coached by american coach – 43 year old Mike Posma and lead by veteran player (44 ys) Todd Elik (ex King in I think the period 1990-92).
Posma and Elik were also members of Olimpija in previous years.
Slovenian yellow press is covering a lot of Posma’s and Elik’s nightlife scandals including 2 or 3 weeks ago, when they early in the morning completly drunk entered into a casino at the ski resort Kranjska Gora, where Elik was publically showing his peni$ to some of employes.
The biggest culmination came on Saturday afternoon – after the celebration party of the team when 6 players of champion team Jesenice went and hardly beat their own coach Posma, who was according to rumors almost dead drunken. The incident happened in Posma’s hotel room.
There are several speculations why, but it seems that the reason was that Posma and Elik after the party demand from one of young club prospects that he drives them home. On his way back to town of Jesenice guy has a serious car accident and some guys take the justice in their hands…
Wild east :-)
Don’t the NBA and NHL playoffs start at (more or less) the same time? If they do, then there might not even really be an issue in terms of scheduling (at least for the first round) since the Lakers have home-court advantage while the Kings don’t have home-ice advantage. So the Lakers have STAPLES to themselves for Games 1 and 2 and the Kings have Games 3 and 4. Everyone’s happy! (. . . hopefully)
PS: Rich, we’re all hacks. No one (who’s being honest with him- or herself) saw Phoenix having the kind of season they did. So it’s OK for a team to build a playoff season with a huge loss to a good team. Heheh.
@wavesinair, Well said..
Fortunately I am a Kings fan, unfortunately I am a Raiders fan also (yes, worst team in NFL). I say this only as an exception to the “rule” stated above. I grew up near Oakland and had season seats 1968 through 1980 – Yes, Blanda, Lamonica, Belitnikoff, Wells, Ben Davidson – players the idiot “Raider fans” you mentioned have never heard of. But, I have to agree, for the most part you are right…
Best news of all- Kings are talented, competitive, young, and deep… not necessarily in that order.
@slovenian fan,
Whoa! I just translated a few news articles and this is pretty much what is being reported.
Hey 100 and 200 level ticket holders. How about getting into the building BEFORE puck drop for a change so we can blow the roof off of Staples when the Kings hit the ice for the playoffs!!! Nice work 300, you’re always there on time and cheer the loudest.
@JDB,
I agree! Too many suits entering the building looking to schmooze and rub elbows with the know nothings. Hockey is for real honest to goodness fans so all of you busines types stick to the wine tasting events and leave the good seats for the people who want to be there.
Otherwise if you are there you better get off your ass and be loud and proud!
I really, really hope that none of the first round home games are on a Wednesday. I have been waiting years for playoff hockey but I teach on Wednesday nights and, unfortunately, can’t reschedule the class. Then again, it is Sports Law… maybe I can get my students to come to Staples Center. LOL
@Danielle,
Easy solution Danielle, you tape that sign up sheet to the class door. You’re happy and the students are even more happy. Win-win for everyone:)
@Michael J.,
Yeah, then factor in the “old” guys like Brown (25) and Greene (26). lol!!!
@kingsruleall, hopefully the Kings dont have home FIELD advantage…skating on a field is hard to do!!!
@KingsFan in OC, Yes, my point exactly!
@DuckHunter,
I wish it was so easy! I would have to drive down behind the Orange Curtain to even do that (tho I suppose I could do that and still make it back in time for the game)
I can already see a potential conflict coming up with the Lakers. Hopefully, it doesn’t result in one of our home games resulting in 0 days rest between games. That would blow big creamy chunks.
@Harry, OMG I’m glad it will air on VS I get that one for sure, but now I wonder, does DTV Center Ice cover the playoffs too?
Rich, I also seem to remember the question…
Rich, are we going to see you on TV at all?
Your Response: “I hope not!”