Battle of California: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: College Football Preseason Top 25 Rankings

Kings Gameday: None More Excited

Los Angeles Kings at Atlanta Thrashers, Nov 13, 2009 4:30 PM PST





Bird Watchers Anonymous would kick my ass if they knew of my love for General Sherman.  Hey, war is hell.

 

WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Man am I pumped for this game.  I'm a Kings man tried and true but I sure do love those Atlanta Thrashers.  There's Ilya, of course, who is without a doubt my favorite non-Kings related hockey player in the league.  I don't watch Ilya Kovalchuk enough to know if he's good defensively or if he's a team player, but I like to think he is neither of those things.  I like to think of him as a stone cold Russian badass who says shit like, "Ilya do not have time to backcheck like woman," and then punches Rich Peverley in the face before scoring a hat trick; then he hops into his Lamborghini hot tub and has a threesome with a chick with a Chelsea Smile and another girl with 2 C-section scars.  Badass, is how I like to think of him.

Then there's Maxim Afinogenov, who is exactly like Ilya Kovalchuk except he sucks.  For some reason that makes me love him more than I otherwise would.  I don't know why, I just love Russians and foreign hockey players in general.  I think it's because I'm kind of racist and I can just prescribe personality traits to them.  (This can be seen in my love of Lubomir Visnovsky, who I talk about in the exact same way I talk about a dog.)  Maxim is playing a different game from everyone else.  He's an iconoclast, kind of like Eddie the Eagle or that one guy who shit his pants playing rugby.

Star-divide

Then there are their goaltenders, who I mostly love.  I love Kari Lehtonen so much I take him in fantasy hockey every single Goddamn time I play and then he gets hurt.  I love Ondrej Pavelec because of his name.  Pavelec, teehee!  Johan Hedberg can go to Hell, though.

I love Tobias Enstrom because he's an Eastern Conference Marc-Edouard Vlasic.  I love Zach Bogosian because he's American.  I love Evander Kane because I can imagine him skating by Wayne Simmonds and giving him a little "'Sup?" nod.  (Like I said, kinda racist.)  I like Ron Hainsey because there's no way a guy with that name should be a hockey player; he should be writing TPS Reports or writing someone up at McDonald's because they were 5 minutes late.  I love the Atlanta Thrashers.

That beind said, I hope the Kings beat the hell out of them tonight.  I should be interesting, as Rich Peverley will most likely get Kopitar duties while Fro will be charged with stopping his fellow countryman. 

This is the most pumped I'll get for a regular season game until the first time we play the Ducks.  Go Kings.

***

Also, did anyone see on Inside the Kings where Terry Murray and Bill Ranford talked about how Jonathan Quick was too hunched over and that it was leaving him open up high.  Hmm, I seem to remember someone mentioning that earlier... OH WAIT.  IT WAS ME.  I SAID THAT.

Prediction: Kings lose, 3-2.  Wait, that was last season, when they always disappointed me.  Kings win, 3-2.

0 recs  |  Comment 31 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Dear God, what a delightful post.

I’ve never thought about the Enstrom/Vlasic comparison, but I think you’re absolutely right. SO PERCEPTIVE!

It’s mighty refreshing to run into a non-Atlantan who actually digs the Thrashers. I do really like those Kings.

Good luck for not really but kind of. I hope it goes to overtime.

by MortimerPeacock on Nov 13, 2009 12:14 PM PST reply actions  

I’m really surprised that you like the Thrashers. I do admire the Kings for sporting the purple/black combination because there’s enough of the goddamned red uniforms in this league. But I don’t know anything about their hockey. I guess I’ll see tonight at the game.

by ThrashersRecaps on Nov 13, 2009 1:13 PM PST reply actions  

They also have Slava Kozlov, who is awesome and underappreciated. I imagine if Kozlov joined Kovalchuk and Afinogenov in that Lamborghini-limo-hot tub he would have a scowl on his face the whole time with his arms crossed while everyone else laughs and has fun. He would look on while Ilya does a line off of one of the girl’s asses and when Ilya looks up and gestures to Slava with the rolled up bill and the rest of the 8-ball, Slava just rolls his eyes at him and mutters, “Nyet” as he looks away in stoic disbelief. “Pfft”, he thinks… “kids”.

by Irish Pat on Nov 13, 2009 1:17 PM PST reply actions  

I’m pretty sure the Thrashers will be running a Kovalchuk-Antropov-Kozlov line tonight, which means it’s crucial that Frolov plays against them so he can interpret what they’re saying.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Nov 13, 2009 1:23 PM PST up reply actions  

That’s an errily realistic depiction of Slava Kozlov.

Rudy, great preview. I will use that “Ilya do not have time to backcheck like woman” quote for years.

by RazorCatchPrey on Nov 13, 2009 1:53 PM PST up reply actions  

Ha, now I imagine Frolov hanging out with his countrymen in that limo scenario and sitting there wide-eyed and nervous the whole time. Although I’ve always had this suspicion that he comes off as Latka from Taxi at work, but in his free time he is a suave and smooth character. If we were still in the Cold War and Fro defected I’d bet he’d be a great double-agent for the KGB. Except they’d probably think he wasn’t doing enough and undervalue him too. Meh.

by Irish Pat on Nov 13, 2009 1:33 PM PST reply actions  

I thought I hit reply… I’m retarded.

by Irish Pat on Nov 13, 2009 1:34 PM PST up reply actions  

(regarding “meh”)
why do you keep saying this word? I dona think it means what you think it means.

by Nut on Nov 13, 2009 2:18 PM PST via mobile up reply actions  

Hey Nut, when I use “meh” it’s like a shrug of my shoulders about something I can’t control. In the above post I’m lamenting about how Frolov, whether he’s playing hockey or assisting Mother Russia with the downfall of Western man, will always be undervalued, at least from my perspective he will be. It’s a minor rant from one man’s point of view and one I should just blow off, which I do with a shrug of my shoulders and by typing “meh”. “Meh” seems to me to project post-thought indifference (kind of like saying " Well, moving on…") whereas a “sigh” appears to carry a little more emotional gravitas. I’m probably wrong (I did point out that I’m retarded) and if it bothers you, well… meh. Just kidding. Clear things up for me if I’m way off.

by Irish Pat on Nov 13, 2009 2:36 PM PST up reply actions  

I understand “Meh” to be a dismissal of someone else’s remark, kind of like how Dogbert says, “Bah!” when he disagrees with someone. I would say, “Eh,” if I were indifferent. I think it’s more personal preference though and oh my god am I really spending time typing this out.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Nov 13, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions  

Ha, ha… God that made me laugh… just to keep this meh thing going, because Fridays are typically very slow at my work and I want this thread to go on and on, I actually say “eh” when I speak, but “meh” looks better in typeface in my opinion and “eh” always looks like it’s requesting a reply even if it’s not followed up by a question mark and holy fuck, I cannot stop laughing as I type this… Goddamn this is a ridiculous subject to comment about… “eh” looks Canadian too and that alone makes me cringe. If anything these comments will make me pause before typing “meh” again. I’d laugh if you guys banned me for life because of “meh”… ooo, a client…

by Irish Pat on Nov 13, 2009 3:03 PM PST up reply actions  

I’m growing fond of typing in the word “shrug”, usually as its own sentence. I think I’ll start saying it aloud, too — seems easier to say “shrug” than to actually do it.

http://www.battleofcali.com/

by Earl Sleek on Nov 13, 2009 3:17 PM PST up reply actions  

I’m indifferent to all of this…

Craig Conroy stole my H1N1 vaccine...

by DodgerBlueBalls on Nov 13, 2009 3:34 PM PST up reply actions  

Whatev

Whoa, what a second, I can’t play hockey with you, I have to solve a murder.

by Niesy on Nov 13, 2009 3:42 PM PST up reply actions  

I meant no offense, just have noticed you are quite fond of it in your posts, and it always makes me think of my cats half meow that he does. And it was a good opportunity for a Princess Bride quote. Carry on.

by Nut on Nov 13, 2009 3:42 PM PST up reply actions  

I think it’s because I’m kind of racist and I can just prescribe personality traits to them.

Well, you at least ascribe human traits to them and don’t act like they are strange, inscrutable creatures from the Planet Enigmok, so I’d say you’re good.

I heard Fox talked about Fro in last game’s intermission. What was said, does anyone know? More of the same?

Whoa, what a second, I can’t play hockey with you, I have to solve a murder.

by Niesy on Nov 13, 2009 3:42 PM PST reply actions  

I don’t know, I don’t watch intermissions. I’ve pretty much cut Patrick O’Neal out of my life, and it’s fantastic.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Nov 13, 2009 3:43 PM PST up reply actions  

Fair enough! Though I bet you missed the bit where Simmonds said “Usually I have to lotion myself.” Personally, I am willing to make that trade-off.

Whoa, what a second, I can’t play hockey with you, I have to solve a murder.

by Niesy on Nov 13, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions  

Feh. I think.

Whoa, what a second, I can’t play hockey with you, I have to solve a murder.

by Niesy on Nov 13, 2009 4:14 PM PST up reply actions  

I bet you missed the bit where Simmonds said "Usually I have to lotion myself."

Now THAT’S racist.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Nov 13, 2009 4:25 PM PST up reply actions  

Aww, I just thought it was my five-year-old sense of humor. I give myself a blog misconduct just in case, though.

More praise for Fro from Murray. I feel dizzy!

Whoa, what a second, I can’t play hockey with you, I have to solve a murder.

by Niesy on Nov 13, 2009 4:48 PM PST up reply actions  

Its odd when Bob Miller calls Kopitar “Kopi”.

by Nut on Nov 13, 2009 5:10 PM PST reply actions  

Oh Rudy

I’m considering getting you a Sherman necktie for Christmas. Then again I like trees too much. All the history references make me happier than they should.

by princessminako on Nov 13, 2009 5:25 PM PST via mobile reply actions  

And at the 10:22 mark of the second period, Evander Kane says “Et tu, Meat Train?”

Craig Conroy stole my H1N1 vaccine...

by DodgerBlueBalls on Nov 13, 2009 5:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Fuck the Thrashers.

The West Coast is the Best Coast.

by RudyKelly on Nov 13, 2009 5:53 PM PST reply actions  

Careful! I think that’s in violation of Birdlaw…

Craig Conroy stole my H1N1 vaccine...

by DodgerBlueBalls on Nov 13, 2009 5:59 PM PST up reply actions  

Even though we were playing even up until that goal, we deserve that shit (well, not Frolov and Simmonds, but everyone else). We were making sloppy passes and standing around way too much. For once, I’m glad Ivanans is in. And yes, fuck the Thrashers.

by Nut on Nov 13, 2009 5:58 PM PST reply actions  

I promise not to let my mind go to down the gutter, even when a lady is rubbing lotion on Meat Train in an interview, if they can just never have another five minutes like that ever again.

Whoa, what a second, I can’t play hockey with you, I have to solve a murder.

by Niesy on Nov 13, 2009 6:19 PM PST reply actions  

Ummmm has Rudy decided to take his life? Just remember, it’s one game. But damn!

Ever get the feeling we are on a collision course with reality? (boycott Hollywood!)

by ang6666 on Nov 13, 2009 7:13 PM PST reply actions  

Hopefully he had a date in a Lamborghini hot tub.

This post was hilarious enough on its own, but then reading it after knowing what happened tonight … well damn.

Lighthouse Hockey: Side effects may include Weight gain and frequent game loss.

by Dominik on Nov 13, 2009 9:14 PM PST up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Takes and trash talk from all sides of the NHL's most pathetic* rivalry

* Thanks, Kevin Lowe!
Start posting on Battle of California »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
If Kariya retires, did he have a Hall of Fame career?
Fatkidazdsafas_small
LA's goaltending: Quick/Bernier/ ?
Avatar-body_small
NHL 11 for Spade!! We need your donations!
0107001523_small
What Bobby wanted to say!!
Beavis_and_butthead_mtv_image_1__small
Omegle is undecided about Kariya
Avatar-body_small
Some interesting comments by Randy Youngman
0107001523_small
Talks with Karyia?..would we go penguins?
Hockeyplayers_small
For Those Keeping Score...
Sanjosestate-logo_small
Staring at Boobs
Megalodon_small
Damn you, Sharktopus!

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

Marchant is ten points short of five hundred on his career and he'll...
New off-season vehicle for Sharks fans/players?
(seen first at PPP)
I've always thought this was uncanny. In case you've been living under a rock the last 10 years, that's Salma Hayek.
Puppy thrown at German biker gang
Selanne's back, Kariya is possible
Reported: Selanne is Back??
Vancouver hires Brown as assistant
As you all know The Ducks blue line is suffering pretty badly.  Wiz being banished to the Islanders really doesn't help much.  What I'm about to suggest is crazy, probably not legal, and absolutely absurd.  But desperate times call for desperate measures.   

That is a picture of my girlfriend's dog, Mia.  And the holder of that hockey stick is me.  Every once in awhile I'll practice stick handling in my kitchen with a small tennis ball.  The other day, this interested Mia and she sort of made a game out of it.  I try to stick handle around her and she trys to get the ball.  At first this was no challenge to me, but then the little bastard started getting really good.  So, here's my solution:  

The Ducks sign Mia to a 3 year entry level contract.  She can't stick handle, check, pass, shoot, has no concept of what team she's on, and has pretty shitty cardio.  But from a team that once employed the likes of Ryan Whitney and Steve Eminger, this is all easily forgivable.  On the up side, she'll never take a penalty....  Unless they add biting or pissing on the ice to the NHL rule book.  She's relentless....  Unless the opponents all bring bacon which they use as a distraction.
So Cal Wildfires
Stadium Food

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

Pacific Standings

GP W L OTL PT
San Jose 82 51 20 11 113
Phoenix 82 50 25 7 107
Los Angeles 82 46 27 9 101
Anaheim 82 39 32 11 89
Dallas 82 37 31 14 88

(updated 4.12.2010 at 6:21 AM PDT)

4 years old and counting!

SBNation.com Recent Stories

PHILADELPHIA - MAY 16:  A fan of the Philadelphia Flyers holds up a sign reading "Next Goalie" behind goalie Carey Price #32 of the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals during the 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wachovia Center on May 16, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Habs Finally Lock Up Carey Price, Sign Goalie To Two-Year Deal

National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman answers questions during a pre-game media availability before the Pittsburgh Penguins season opener against the New York Rangers in a NHL hockey game in Pittsburgh, Friday, Oct. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) +25 updates

Ultimatum? NHL Reportedly Threatens To Toss Out Kovalchuk, Luongo Deals Without NHLPA Concessions

Photo +1 updates

Report: Donald Fehr Hands NHLPA List Of Conditions On Becoming Union Leader

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

Meattrain1_small Earl Sleek

Hockeyplayers_small RudyKelly

Marleau_awkward_mustache_small Mike Chen

Editors

San2_small Cheechew

Shark_hat_small pj48

Small jamestobrien

Megalodon_small Megalodon