Armstrong interview
I sat down with center Derek Armstrong. Since he's one of the few veterans in the locker room now, I wanted to get his thoughts on playing on a team with so many young guys. Here's his thoughts...
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Question: With so many young players here, what do you want them to know about what it takes to be a NHL player?
ARMSTRONG: ``You have to work every day. You have to realize that when you get to this level, it's a job. Obviously it's just a game but you have to represent yourself well. It becomes a jo. They're not only trying to feed themselves, but some of us have a wife and kids. That's what they have to realize. It's not just about them anymore; it's about playing a team game and having everyone support each other because we all have families to feed. That's when it becomes different.''
Question: Is there a certain excitement about having this many young guys around?
ARMSTRONG: ``Yeah, it's going to be great. There's a lot of young kids and we know there are probably going to be a few heartaches, but that's the thing. If things start going south a little bit, as they do on any team at times, you have to be able to put a stop to it right away. That's going to be the key. Then when you start winning a lot of games, it's the same thing. You've got to learn how to keep an even keel, especially at this level. You can't get up too high or get down too low. That's part of being a professional. The quicker you learn that, the better off you'll be.''
Question: As a guy who has been through Andy Murray and Marc Crawford and now Terry Murray...
ARMSTONG: ``We had (John) Torchetti too, don't forget.''
Question: That's true. What is that like, to start over with a new coach and new staff?
ARMSTRONG: ``It's exciting. Obviously the thing that's different is the systems. A lot of guys are worried about scoring, but I'm out there trying to learn the systems. You try to learn that stuff first, and then the other stuff comes. I'm just trying to learn the systems so that I can get it down pat and then I can help teach the other guys a little bit too. Us older guys need to learn and help the younger guys.''
Question: What do you see your role on this team being?
ARMSTRONG: ``I haven't really talked much to them yet. I think I've always kind of been a leader in my own way. I'm just going to try to provide support and be as professional as I can every night and show them what work ethic is about and maintain standards. It's a long season but you can't take a day off. If you have a bad day, you better not have two bad days in a row. I think that's an important thing that I've always tried to pride myself on. You're going to have bad days, but try not to have back-to-back bad days.''
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Rich Hammond has covered the Kings, on a full-time or part-time basis, since the 2000-01 season. He was the beat writer for the entire John Torchetti era and has witnessed Bob Miller singing country music in a Nashville honky-tonk bar. A native of Los Angeles, Rich has worked at the Daily News since 1999 and also serves as the paper's deputy sports editor. E-mail Rich at rich.hammond@dailynews.com.
Jill Painter joined the Daily News in 2000 and during the last eight years she's covered the Dodgers, Cal State Northridge, UCLA, Kings, golf and everything in between. Even though she's from Colorado, she still freezes in the Staples Center press box but always manages to thaw her fingers in time to make deadline. E-mail Jill at jill.painter@dailynews.com.
This is why Army is still on this team. This is why other teams want him also. This guy plays his heart out and never complains. Will play on any line any position and wants to teach the kids how to stay in the league.
Armstrong said:
You're going to have bad days, but try not to have back-to-back bad days.
Great outlook for life, not just hockey. In a way, it'll be a shame if he gets cut. He's always given all he has for this team.
How is this guy still on this team over MC, LV, and RB? How many systems is Murray implementing by the way? Apparently Army is learning multiple systems. He also has to learn how to help the younger guys. Who is going to teach him how to teach? Duh, duh, duh. So uninspiring.
what a class act. Putting the team first, he is out there to learn the system and then teach the young guys how to prepare themselves for an nhl job.Showing the young guys what work ethic is all about.
GO ARMY
I've always liked his way of playing the game. Seems like a stand up guy aswell.
Thanks for the interview Rich.
I like this guy. I know many of you don't particularly care for him, but he provides every night, what he's capable of. It may not be what we all want as far as skill level goes, but when it comes to heart, dedication and professionalism he tops the charts. How can you not appreciate that. If he stays or goes, I wish him well and wish him the best. He has earned it.
My bet - he's traded to Anaheim for Schneider.
Count on this one.
Agree! Army will help keep these kids grounded. He's always been a POSITIVE leader and always looking out for the good of the team...not just himself! How many guys are like THAT now-a-days?
Not every player is going to be a 20+ goal scorer. Army's job as motivator/leader is JUST as important in my eyes...and even more so with so many youngins!
Also, who is the guy always giving back to the community!? He appreciates US, and I appreciate HIM for that!
Armstrong sounds like a stand-up guy, and is a solid if uninspiring third/fourth line center. If he can play wing, he has a good chance of being the #13/14 forward. Otherwise, I really don't see where there's room for him until someone gets hurt.