Before we get into the fun of hearing from a trio of Kings defensemen regarding tonight’s match-up with the Blackhawks, let’s first run through a few quick notes and stats…
– For Simon Gagne and Mike Richards, today’s game may be a little more personal than it is for other members of the Kings. It was the Blackhawks who beat their then-team, the Flyers, in overtime for the Stanley Cup back in 2010.
– During the regular season, Richards has only played Chicago five times in his career, posting two points (both goals). He was also clocked a few times during a fight with Troy Brouwer in one of those game back in 2008 (video). However, Brouwer has moved on to Washington this season, so any thought of a rematch will have to wait until the Capitals visit LA in January.
– Also, don’t expect Blackhawks’ pest Daniel Carcillo and Richards, his old pal from Philly, to have too many beefs on the ice – they’re friends off of it. Now, Kyle Clifford on the other hand…
– And speaking of fights, it looks like Kevin Westgarth won’t be getting another dance with John Scott tonight. Almost one year ago to the day, these two squared off in a battle at Staples Center that saw Westgarth leave the ice in a bloody mess (video). Then, they met up again the following month and things only went slightly better (video). Scott is expected to be a healthy scratch tonight, while Westgarth will be playing in his third straight game.
– Colin Fraser won a Stanley Cup with Chicago all of two seasons ago. He spoke about the experience yesterday with Rich Hammond (link).
– Ethan Moreau was drafted by the Blackhawks during the first round of the 1994 NHL Draft. He spoke about that experience here. It was during his first training camp with the ‘Hawks when Denis Savard – who would later be the best man at his wedding – gave Moreau the nickname ‘Chopper.’
– During the off-season, Chicago picked up two-time former-King Sean O’Donnell and a Kings nemesis of sorts, Andrew Brunette. O’Donnell first joined the Kings in 1994 via a trade with Buffalo for Doug Houda. In 2000, the Kings exposed him to the NHL Expansion Draft and he was taken by Minnesota. He was later traded by the Wild to New Jersey (for Willie Mitchell) and after a few more stops he made his way back to LA in the summer of 2008.
– Brunette, who has 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 44 career games vs. the Kings, has a knack for setting up his teammates when playing at Staples Center – grabbing 16 assists in 20 games lifetime.
– The real Kings-Killer is Patrick Sharp, owner of 17 goals in 20 games vs. the Kings, including eight goals in 11 games when playing in LA.
For a few more Blackhawks-related posts, check out the linked articles below.
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