Blake to regain record
Rob Blake is slated to play his 780th career game as a King tomorrow, which would tie Mattias Norstrom for the most games played by a defenseman in team history.
Ironically, Norstrom passed Blake when he claimed the record in 2005. Blake left the Kings in 2001 and spent over four years in Colorado before returning to the Kings last season.
``It's kind of come full circle,'' said Blake, who downplayed the record. ``It just means they haven't had a defenseman here very long. It's a lot of games, but there's been many guys who have had longer marks around the league.''
Norstrom will be in town to see his mark tied. He was traded late last season to Dallas, coincidentally the Kings’ opponent at Staples Center tomorrow.
Blake, 38, scored his fourth goal of the season Thursday to go along with 18 assists. He has 218 goals and 475 assists in his career, which started with the Kings in the 1989-90 season.
One thing he doesn't want to talk about is how many games he has left as a King. With the Kings expected to be sellers at the trading deadline, Blake is a prime candidate for trade as a veteran defenseman with playoff experience who doesn't fit into the Kings' rebuilding phase. He was quoted last month by the Denver Post as saying he would consider waiving his no-trade clause to go to the right team.
Despite some struggles coming back from a hip injury, Blake has played well of late and helped to bring along 20-year-old Jack Johnson, whom he now pairs with on the defensive end.
``I want to compliment him on how he’s played,'' Kings coach Marc Crawford said. ``I think he’s been remarkable, especially the last two months of the season and certainly the last month. He's one guy who’s been a shining example. I love the mentoring role he’s taking with Jack Johnson. … He’s going to benefit a great deal for having played with Rob Blake.''
I, for one, am looking forward to having him leave town.
It would appear that he's in it for the money and the appearance (wearing the "c").
Now that he has both and most of the $12 Million, he can cut out of town with his money anf join a team that's in contention.
I'm sorry, but his pathetic play most of the season over shadows what he's done of late.
Good riddance.
And I hope we get someone promising in exchange.
Try not to cry all the way to the Bank, and don't let the door hit you from behind.
Here's an outside view on the Kings rebuild
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/Hockey/article/293110
Matty is the true Captain
>>``I want to compliment him on how he’s played,'' Kings coach Marc Crawford said. ``I think he’s been remarkable, especially the last two months of the season and certainly the last month. He's one guy who’s been a shining example. I love the mentoring role he’s taking with Jack Johnson. … He’s going to benefit a great deal for having played with Rob Blake.''
hmm, Craw's comments kind of sound like a "farewell and thank you very much" to Blake...
Interesting article from a Toronto perspective.
Sounds like buyers remorse to me. Toskla looked like a good idea at the time. Think they wish they held onto the picks. they're not going anywhere.
That's why it's crucial not to give in to the easy way and hold the line and wait or Bernier to develop.
Other people seem to think the Kings are doing it the right way. We'll see. time will tell who was right and wrong.
The article that "anonymous" provided a link to was a great read!
I think the only reasons Blake came back was to get back the record he was once held, stay closer to his family, and the beach.
He knew he wasn't going to help the Kings win. The Kings are better off without him.
A guy who plays on the Dallas Stars is the true captain of the Los Angeles Kings???! WHAT?!!! What is wrong with some of our fans??!!! PTSD I guess
This article doesn't acknowledge all the money that they have thrown away on the deals and free agents that they have signed over the last two years. Even if you are rebuilding, it isn't ok to be dead last. Just cause they didn't give up Bernier to get Vokoun doesn't mean it is acceptable to go into another season with such an enormous question mark at goaltending or throw away the type of money they have on players that don't perform. If they are going to be dead last, and that is their strategy, then give the guys at Manchester a chance and save your money. This has been grossly mismanaged and I don't care what they say about patience or history. I've been watching this for 35 years and a season ticket holder for 20.
This article doesn't acknowledge all the money that they have thrown away on the deals and free agents that they have signed over the last two years. Even if you are rebuilding, it isn't ok to be dead last. Just cause they didn't give up Bernier to get Vokoun doesn't mean it is acceptable to go into another season with such an enormous question mark at goaltending or throw away the type of money they have on players that don't perform. If they are going to be dead last, and that is their strategy, then give the guys at Manchester a chance and save your money. This has been grossly mismanaged and I don't care what they say about patience or history. I've been watching this for 35 years and a season ticket holder for 20. I could give them a lesson or two in Kings history.