The Future Starts Today in Manchester, Rookie Honors & Kings 'Carma' Awards

[CarlaMuller]

While Kings’ fans bid adieu to this forgettable year, the future just got a step brighter. With the season over for the Lewiston Maineacs, Bernier, their franchise goaltender, and the projected Kings’ savior (no pressure there…yikes), begins his journey to the big show by reporting to Manchester Monarchs for practice today.

“Bernier said that by Thursday, he would report to the Manchester Monarchs of the American Hockey League, the Kings' top affiliate, for practice.

I am still going to have to earn my spot, but it's good to move on," Bernier said.”

Bernier Bids Good-Bye to Juniors

Bernier’s arrival is no guarantee for ice time as another Jonathan, Quick that is, has eased the youthful Monarchs’ line-up into contending for a playoff spot. This is no small task considering there are near no veterans on that roster and their best defenseman is with the Kings (Harrold) and one of their better forwards, Gabe Gauthier is out for the season with a knee injury.

Brady Murray, the Kings’ player first sent permanently back to Manchester, to preclude him from being subjected to “the environment” on the big club had this to say after a strong personal showing from him:

"(It) Feels pretty good right now," said Murray.”There's not one weak link on our team right now.

Manchester (36-30-5-4, 81 points) has won six of its last seven. With five games left, the Monarchs reduced their magic number to eight points toward securing the fourth and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. Fifth-place Springfield gained no ground on Manchester despite beating Worcester, 4-2, last night.”

Rookie Honors:

”C Brian Boyle and RW Teddy Purcell were named to the AHL all-rookie team yesterday. They are the two leading scoring rookies in the league.”

Monarchs’ Update

While Ersberg didn’t make March’s NHL rookie of the month, he was in the running:

“Other candidates for the monthly honor included Edmonton center Sam Gagner, Washington center Nicklas Backstrom, Chicago right wing Patrick Kane and Los Angeles goaltender Erik Ersberg.”

Ersberg candidate for NHL Rookie of the Month

Kings’ First Annual “Carma” Awards:

After Saturday’s Fan Appreciation and last game of the season, I will announce the First Annual Kings 'Carma' Awards. Get your nominations in now for any of the following categories:

1. MVP;
2. Biggest Surprise;
3. Best Defenseman;
4. Unsung Hero;
5. Best Rookie;
6. Best Defensive Forward;
7. Mr. Everything;
8. Leader in Waiting;
9. Biggest Disappointment;
10. Best of Seven Goaltenders of the Year. (Next season, I hope to eliminate this category for hopefully obvious reasons.)

I am also looking for everyone to help name these categories from prior Kings in their four decade history.

Carla Muller

Carla.hockeygal@att.net

[khanon81]

bring some damn toughness already!

[Leatherface]

is this a blog or something like that?

[mitchrock]

My nominations
1. MVP; Dustin Brown
2. Biggest Surprise; O'Sullivan
3. Best Defenseman; Johnson
4. Unsung Hero; Frolov
5. Best Rookie; Johnson
6. Best Defensive Forward; Brown
7. Mr. Everything;Kopitar
8. Leader in Waiting;Kopitar
9. Biggest Disappointment;Blake
10. Best of Seven Goaltenders of the Year. Ersberg

[gescom]

1. MVP - Anze Kopitar
2. Biggest Surprise - Dustin Brown
3. Best Defenseman - Jack Johnson
4. Unsung Hero - Alexander Frolov
5. Best Rookie - Jack Johnson
6. Best Defensive Forward - Alexander Frolov
7. Mr. Everything - Patrick O'Sullivan
8. Leader in Waiting - Dustin Brown
9. Biggest Disappointment - Mike Cammalleri
10. Best of Seven Goaltenders of the Year. (Next season, I hope to eliminate this category for hopefully obvious reasons.) - Erik Ersberg

[Brown23]

1. MVP; Brown
2. Biggest Surprise; O'Sullivan
3. Best Defenseman; Johnson
4. Unsung Hero; Frolov
5. Best Rookie; Johnson
6. Best Defensive Forward; Handzus
7. Mr. Everything; Kopitar
8. Leader in Waiting; Kopitar
9. Biggest Disappointment; Cammy/Nagy
10. Best of Seven Goaltenders of the Year. (Next season, I hope to eliminate this category for hopefully obvious reasons.) ERIK ERSBERG

[khanon81]

i think you guys left out one category:

Wimpiest player: Everyone except for Ivanons and Thornton

[MightyMike]

1. MVP - Anze Kopitar
2. Biggest Surprise - Jaroslav Modry
3. Best Defenseman - Jack Johnson
4. Unsung Hero - Alexander Frolov
5. Best Rookie - Jack Johnson
6. Best Defensive Forward - Alexander Frolov
7. Mr. Everything - Alexander Frolov
8. Leader in Waiting - Anze Kopitar
9. Biggest Disappointment - Lubomir Visnovsky
10. Best of Seven Goaltenders of the Year. (Next season, I hope to eliminate this category for hopefully obvious reasons.) - Erik Ersberg

[BullHerman]

I'd like to add best & worst trades etc.

[BullHerman]

I just looked at next year's season prices. If Lucky gets improvements next year, these tickets would be the best bargain in SoCal.