Kings recall defenseman Rob Scuderi from Ontario of the AHL

The Kings recalled defenseman Rob Scuderi from their American Hockey League team in Ontario on Monday in order to fill a spot on the roster after placing defenseman Brayden McNabb on injured reserve Sunday because of an upper-body injury. Scuderi, 37, hasn’t played a game this season with the Kings or the Reign. He was cut by the Kings at the end of training camp and accepted an assignment to the Reign. McNabb was hurt during  a third-period collision in the Kings’ 1-0 loss Saturday at St. Louis.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

LA Kings transactions (part 1)

The Kings placed forward Michael Latta and defenseman Rob Scuderi on waivers Monday. The other 29 teams in the NHL have until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, to claim them. If no one does, then the Kings will retain their rights and could assign them to Ontario of the American Hockey League, a likely scenario for both.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Rob Scuderi returns to Staples Center

The Pittsburgh Penguins are Thursday’s opponent when the Kings return to Staples Center after their annual Grammys trip. It also will be defenseman Rob Scuderi’s first appearance in Los Angeles since leaving the Kings last summer to sign a four-year contract with the Penguins that pays him $3.375 million per season. Scuderi was a go-to guy in the Kings’ locker room for reporters because of his candor. He also was a very effective player during the Kings’ run to the Stanley Cup in 2012 and to the Western Conference finals last season.

Scuderi certainly called it like he saw it earlier this week when a Pittsburgh reporter asked for his views of the Kings’ style of play under coach Darryl Sutter.

“During my time, we always had a lot of talent,” Scuderi said. “But the way the mentality was kind of drilled into us was to be more of a defensive group. Guys aren’t going to cheat for offense. They’re going to stay back. Thee are some guys there who could easily get 80 to 100 points, but in that type of system and that type of (defensive-minded) conference, it’s probably not going to happen.”

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Three things about the Kings’ loss to the Flames

The Kings didn’t skate Tuesday. They had a charity gig in the afternoon, but are scheduled to return to their El Segundo rink for a workout Wednesday in preparation for Thursday’s home game against goalie Mike Smith and the Phoenix Coyotes. The Kings dropped a 3-2 decision to the Calgary Flames on Monday because they gave up three power-play goals, including what proved to be the winner from T.J. Brodie with 30 seconds remaining. Here are three lasting impressions on the Kings’ lackluster performance:

Continue reading “Three things about the Kings’ loss to the Flames” »

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Five questions the Kings must answer this season (part 1)

This might or might not be on-line already, but I’m posting it here, too, with expanded answers.

Did Dean Lombardi do enough in the offseason?

The Kings’ general manager said over and over again that he wanted to keep the roster as intact as possible, and he certainly did that with a series of deft offseason moves. Forwards Matt Frattin and Daniel Carcillo and goalie Ben Scrivens are the only new faces on the opening-night roster. Forward Dustin Penner, defenseman Rob Scuderi and goalie Jonathan Bernier left the club in the summer. But the general rule is if you’re not improving, then you’re getting worse and it could be argued that’s the case with the Kings. Scuderi’s loss might not be evident on the stat sheet, and it might take a while to notice his absence. But rest assured, at some point, at some critical moment, the Kings will wish they were able to re-sign him and he didn’t bolt for friendly surroundings in Pittsburgh. Losing Penner via free agency was no big deal, but it also remains to be seen if trading Bernier was the right move. Sure, it was good for his career to move to Toronto. But if Quick is hurt or falters, the Kings will hand the backup job to the relatively untested Scrivens.

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Rob Scuderi talks about decision to leave the Kings for the Penguins

Defenseman Rob Scuderi explained his decision to leave the Kings and sign with the Pittsburgh Penguins as a free agent this way: “When moving your family, the transition can be kind of odd and awkward. I thought going to Pittsburgh, the familiarity with the area would make for an easier transition. And most important, the team in a win-now mode.”

He also said his game would be a good fit with the Penguins, adding:  Continue reading “Rob Scuderi talks about decision to leave the Kings for the Penguins” »

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Rob Scuderi signs with Penguins, creates opportunity fit for a King

Free agent defenseman Rob Scuderi, a key piece of the Kings’ puzzle during their charge to the Stanley Cup championship in 2012 and a second straight run to the Western Conference finals in ’13, signed a four-season, $13.5-million contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.

Continue reading “Rob Scuderi signs with Penguins, creates opportunity fit for a King” »

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Kings unrestricted free agents

Free agency begins Friday. Here’s a look at the Kings’ unrestricted free agents:

Dustin Penner, LW, 2 goals, 12 assists, minus-2, 33 games, 2012-13 salary $3.25 million.

Brad Richardson, C, 1 goal, 5 assists, plus-2, 16 games, 2012-13 salary $1.35 million.

Rob Scuderi, D, 1 goal, 11 assists, minus-6, 48 games. 2012-13 salary $3.4 million

Thanks to capgeek.com for salary info.

 

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi season-ending interview (part 2)

Rob Scuderi is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent early next month, and the Kings’ veteran defenseman could go that route if he decides it’s best for him and his family. Scuderi talked last week about finding a comfort zone with the Kings over the last four seasons. He also said when asked about his future with the team:

Continue reading “Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi season-ending interview (part 2)” »

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email

Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi season-ending interview (part 1)

Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi was as baffled by the Kings’ lack of road success, especially during the playoffs, as anyone else. It was perhaps the main reason the Kings were eliminated from the conference finals in five games by the Chicago Blackhawks. The Kings lost all three games they played in Chicago and dropped eight of nine on the road overall in the postseason. Last year, they were 10-1 on the road during the playoffs.

Continue reading “Kings defenseman Rob Scuderi season-ending interview (part 1)” »

Facebook Twitter Plusone Digg Reddit Stumbleupon Tumblr Email