Ivanans update
Ivanans skated with the team today but Crawford lists him as out for Monday and doubtful for Wednesday. His likely return is Saturday at San Jose. He will have to wear a mask for four weeks, which could limit his physicality.
``A lot of his physicality is just the robust style he plays,'' Crawford said. ``The ability to engage in fisticuffs and those sort of things, I'm not sure how necessary that is. It's nice to have that in your game. It's nice for players to feel comfortable having someone who can take care of that part of your game. But right now he can't and he has to accept that and find ways to contribute for us when he is able to play full out.''
Ivanans said he plans to take it easy but won't make any promises.
``Maybe the mask will come off and I'll drop my gloves,'' Ivanans said. ``You never know what will happen in the heat of the moment. But I think I can play a physical game with the mask.''
Ivanans no-fight policy could be put to the test Sunday in Anaheim. He took notice of Chris Pronger of the Ducks attacking Michal Handzus last Tuesday.
``I came home and turned on the TV just in time to see the overtime,'' Ivanans said. ``He's always doing cheap stuff like that, doing something at the end. I'm kind of sick of seeing Pronger doing that stuff.''
I hope one of these days Ivanans makes Pronger his bitch.
I'm sure Pronger's wife wouldn't mind.
He deserves whatever is coming to him.
Sorry to be a jerk but pronger plays D.
that pile of garbage.
Uhm... four weeks with a mask on? Is there a point to even dressing him if the ability to fight is totally null & void? He's a UFA this Summer, don't be surprised if he hits waivers when Calder comes back in order to save a spot for Moulson. Kings can replace him with Parros once he's placed on waivers after Selanne & Niedermayer return next month.
^^^^^^^^^Hahahahahaaa! You're joking right? This team needs the toughness that Ratis gives. There isn't enough to go around.
Oh boy, Raitis Ivanans back in the lineup, but with the caveat that basically he can't fight. That's as if we were to ask Anze Kopitar to play four weeks without a stick. Can't wait. (insert eye roll here.)
I would love to see Ivanans give Pronger what he deserves. I doubt Pronger would ever drop the gloves with him though.
Ivanans v Pronger? That's worth the price of admission alone and one of these Kings/Ducks games is going to get u-g-l-y
Pronger's face possibly getting beaten in? i'll watch. but if he can't fight... not enthused.
What's the point of dressing this guy if he can't be physical? He can't forecheck (too slow), he's not a goal scorer (stone hands), although he has more than Armstrong who gets constant PP time, and he's not going to be first in on any forecheck (once again too slow).
The ONLY thing this guy did was throw the occasional check and fight the occasional fight. If he can't do that, keep Moulson in for his mobility at least, and his flashes of good hands.