About Jill Painter

Jill Painter is a sports columnist for the Los Angeles News Group, covering everything from the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, USC, UCLA, Kings, golf and all human interest stories in sports.

Kings media contingent bigger than Stanley Cup in 2012?

When Colin Fraser looked around at the huge media contingent in the small Kings locker room for the morning skate Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, he said: “This is the most media we’ve ever had.”
Hard to imagine but throw in national writers and a large media throng from New York and a Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final in which the Kings could be celebrating on the ice, and you’ve got a ton of interest.

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King weighs in on his controversial goal for the Kings

Dwight King talked about his goal in Game 2, in which it looked like he should’ve been called for goaltender interference. He saw the replay once in the locker room and hasn’t watched it since.
“Once the goal stood we moved on from that game,” King said. “Obviously with the playoffs, it’s a pretty rapid schedule. You do try to move on and focus on the next one.”
That was difficult as the Rangers were talking about it seemingly for two days and weren’t happy about the no-call there. Asked if he thought there was goaltender interference after the game, Alain Vigneault said: “Ask the NHL.”
King wasn’t worried about the noise. “Nothing is going to come over it,” King said. “Nothing to stress over or think about it. The call was made. Once it stands, it stands. There’s nothing to talk about.”

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The new Knicks coach set to attend Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final

It’s a big sports week in New York. Several reports indicate that former Laker Derek Fisher will be the new coach of the New York Knicks. The Knicks announced a press conference is scheduled for Tuesday and then Fisher will be doing an unofficial tour. One of his first stops will be Madison Square Garden on Wednesday to take in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final.

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Gaborik, the former Ranger, on Madison Square Garden & NY fans

Marian Gaborik, the former King, on what the atmosphere will be like since he played in New York for four years.
“Their fans obviously will push them forward. It’s their first Final in 20 years,” Gaborik said. “They’re going to have a lot of push from their fans. We’re just going to try to take the crowd out of it and hopefully get a lead.”
That might be difficult, given that the Kings have fallen behind 2-0 in the first two games, never led in regulation then won Games 1 and 2 in overtime and double overtime, respectively.

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Guess who is reponsible for Will Ferrell Kings video ad in the Big Apple?

The Kings! They bought the video ad, which ran on Friday. And we’re still talking about it!
The Kings are getting under the Rangers’ skin on the ice, falling behind by two-goal deficits in Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, and winning both games.
Now, they’re being pesky off the ice.
“I think over the years we’ve tried to do some things that are different,” said Mike Altieri, vice president of communications and broadcasting for the Kings. “Obviously, with the Stanley Cup Final, there’s a lot of attention, buzz and news surrounding our team. Our goal, as an organization, is to find ways to rise above the noise. That was an opportunity we felt could do that.
“We wanted to attempt to bring attention to the Kings and the NHL and not disrespect our opponent.”
Good move by the Kings. Let’s see what the Rangers have in store for Monday’s Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

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