Dustin Penner’s perspective on his penalty and the LA Kings

Following Tuesday’s 3-2 shootout win by the Kings, several Anaheim players stopped by the LA locker room to talk with their crosstown rivals. While things like this happen on occasion, it seemed the exchanges were more about showing appreciation and respect to their opponents than simply catching up with old friends. Guys on both sides of the aisle were repeatedly commenting about what a battle it was, and equally noted how exciting it must have been to watch.

Of course, right in the middle of everything – and one of the key storylines throughout the day – was Dustin Penner. The only player to be part of the Stanley Cup victories for both teams, Penner is off to a strong start, currently sitting among the Ducks’ points leaders and second in the league with a plus-17 rating.

We’ve already posted quite a bit of post-game quotes on the site (see links down below), now it’s time to check in with Penner and get his perspective on the first matchup between the two teams this season…

On what he thought when he was told that he was going out for the shootout:

“[Heavy sigh] ’Shit!” [Followed by a typical Penner half-smile] No, it would have been nice to score. He made an unbelievable save on me, Jonesy. Unbelievable.”

On his penalty in overtime and if there was any explanation from the referee:

“No, not at all. He was embarrassed about making that call, but you could tell he probably had to. I’m guessing, but if I make two calls against the opposing team in a rivalry game, that are slashing penalties, you know he’s going to look for one. I mean, Stolly made a good play. That’s what happens when you play nine or ten years in the league. You run into someone, fall down and the other guy goes into the box.”

On several of his former teammates congratulating him on his success thus far this season:

“Yeah, I think it’s mutual. I’m happy for them and they’re happy for me. It’s a bond that you create by playing together.”

On the Kings’ players really wanting to be the first team to defeat the Ducks at home in regulation:

“We didn’t even think of it that way. It’s a great game, because it’s the battle of SoCal. We hadn’t played them yet this year. We weren’t even thinking that we can’t lose. We were just thinking of how we could win.”

On if he sees the Kings as a different team, or as the team that he was a part of:

“You do [get a different] perspective. They play the same way. When you’re wearing the jersey, it’s different than when you’re playing against it. You see how good Dewey is. You see how good Kopi and their top two lines are and that they’re really sound, structurally. They’ve got a really good team.”

On the Stadium Series jerseys:

“Umm… They’re different. Ours is very orange, the other one is very gray. You’ll be able to tell the difference in colors from the upper deck.”

More Kings-Ducks comments at the links below.

5 MUST-READ STORIES:

Jarret Stoll on Kings 3-2 win in Anaheim and rookie Martin Jones

Willie Mitchell heard a rumor about Kings goalie Martin Jones

PHOTOS: Stadium Series jerseys – Kings and Ducks

Nick Bonino talks Ducks’ orange jerseys and Kings physical play

Ducks’ Boudreau talks up the Kings, warming up to Penner

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