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About This Page: This is a discussion on News within the LetsGoKings.com forums, at Los Angeles Kings Hockey Fan Forum. Editorial Comment
by Michael Zampelli
There is no doubt in my mind that Mattias Norstrom should welcome his buddy Rob Blake back to the Los Angeles Kings by returning the
There is no doubt in my mind that Mattias Norstrom should welcome his buddy Rob Blake back to the Los Angeles Kings by returning the Captain's "C" to him. After last year debacle's, when leadership was needed from the Captain on several fronts, it seemed like Norstrom did nothing. This "leading by example" experimant doesn't seem to work so well, in fact some of these guys need a good shout-down or a kick in the ass.
Do you think Rob Blake would sit back and let Avery make the locker room into a circus? Would he say nothing as the team went on a 5-game losing streak, when every game is a win-or-die situation? HELL NO! Rob Blake is a leader that the other players respect and will listen to. He also has the emotions to put guys in their place if it will help the team. Norstrom is a great player, but I think it's time he let the leadership duties be handled by someone who wears there emotions on their sleeve. Rob Blake is the man for the job!
While we're on the subject of Rob Blake, if I hear anyone booing him I'm going to come down to your seat and smack you in the back of the head.
With all due respect, Blake was the Captain of this team for several years, and if you look back, they were some of the worst years in Kings history. I do not blame him much at all (ownership and GM's and coaches mostly screwed it up), nor do I think Matty has done all that well either as C. I like both these guys and both these guys are solid NHLer's, but if you want to know the truth, they both should be alternates. They both lead by example mostly, and do not do enough of the verbal motivation or butt kicking. I never knew or heard about Blake being vocal. I am not sure who should be C, but neither one in my opinion.
Also, the booing of Rob was not necessary, but not totally unjust. The guy had a 3 year, $19M deal on the table, and he rejected it. He forced the trade, and also, took some shots at us LA Fans after he left. The same fans that supported him through and through for over a decade. We do not get a chance to do TV interviews to say how we feel, so booing was all we had. I just hope Rob apologizes for his behavior, and comes clean about a few things thru the media, then we will all do the same by giving him a Standing Ovation at opening night.
Blake left because he wanted to go to a team that had a chance to win the CUP. Why do you think he is back, he wants to retire in LA. Keep your fingers crossed he stays healthy. Personally, I think the "C" should be on Conroy's jersey.
Sorry, have to STRONGLY disagree with you here. What the heck is this love affair you have for Blake? Somehow you are conveniently forgetting that the season he was "negotiating" before he was traded Blake singlehandedly tore up the lockerroom chemistry. Instead of keeping his mouth shut, he repeatedly lied about his intentions in the press. OK, they weren't the controversial type Avery made, but they had the same effect and shows he, too, needs to learn the words "no comment". As I posted in another thread, I highly doubt that Rob Blake would have foregone the chance to play in the World champioship games to help work out the problems with the team. Matty Norstrom gave up winning the gold medal, second he missed this year, by his decision that the Kings were more important. The only things that are important to Rob Blake are money and glory. He isn't going to be paid chicken feed to play here as a 36 year old defenseman with diminishing skills, he will be the highest paid player on the team. Without the players he had in Coloado to put the puck in, his assist total will probably drop. Corvo had as many goals as he did last year, but Lombardi let Corvo at 2 million go and brought Blake back for 3 times as much money. He could have taken a lower salary like other players have done to go to/stay with the team of his choice, but Blake went for the money again. Once again, like years past in LA, he was quoted as wanting to stay in Colorado but wouldn't accept less $$ to do so. (And regarding Corvo and turnovers I've seen Blake do the same thing many times although somehow people let it slide for Blake. The same goes for "wide right" for attempted shots on goal.)
BTW, you won't be able to smack our heads for booing Blake because this signing has pretty much sealed that we won't been in our old season seats this year. Just having Blake back with the Kings makes me want to puke. If he is made the captain I may never get away from the royal throne.
__________________ "Of course , that's just my opinion, I could be wrong." -Dennis Miller
Some posters around here just like to make up things to suit their personal opinions and then others use them as facts in the future.
Last edited by 24diving; July 2nd, 2006 at 02:12 PM.
I agree that Blake will bring tons of leadership qualities back to the Kings, and with Matti, Conroy and now Blake, there is two A's and C that just need to be divided up properly. Personally, I think Conroy is a great leader, player and the best attitude possible for the C, so Id like to see him wear it, but who knows he may be traded. Cant argue all three of these guys arent captain material.
I will not be cheering his return, but I will cheer when Lombardi trades him for more picks and prospects at the deadline. Maybe he can be part of a deal for Pronger. That would be sweet.
__________________ Hockey's original bad boy. The "Cowboy" Howie Young
__________________ You know you're a drunkard when... You get into a fistfight with a wino over how long a bottle of Thunderbird should be allowed to "breathe".
Rob Blake doesn't deserve the Captains "C", that should be placed on the chest of Conroy who truely deserves it. Conroy has not said one negative remark in the press about his team, coaching staff or management, while at the same time playing is a$$ off for the Kings and leading by example.
Hopefully, the Marc Crawford will select a Captain that can lead, motivate and when needed, put his team in check.
Definitely give it to Conroy. Lead by example is much better on paper. There were a lot of times on the ice when I would have liked to see Norstrom (I really DO like Matty) get a little more physical and enforce a little more (Darius Hatcher style). My question is - without the C, would Matty do that?
I'm willing to forgive Blake for the way he left, but I agree with the comment above that he came back to retire. He deserves all the fanfare that LA will give him when he retires, but I question if he'll be the impact player he once was.
Iim in section 110 row 19, right next to where your buddy sits. In fact you sat next to me a couple seasons ago. I'll be looking forward to you trying to smack me. Blake desreves the BOOS and so does the G.M. for the move
Amazing that after Blake left in 2001 is when the Kings went on that great playoff run. Even in 2002, the Kings were in 1st place until 3 weeks left in the season. The whole downfall the last few years started with the Allison/Deadmarsh situation. We traded quality players to get them and then when A & D went down with injuries we had nothing to show for it. It seems the Kings are headed in the right direction, but I don't agree with this signing. I never liked Blake when he was here the first time and still don't. We as fans have the right to boo or cheer who we wish, regardless of what color jersey they are wearing. Some fans, like myself, have good memories and remember what Blake did back in 2001. BOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Give the "C" to Blake? You must be joking. I do believe Norstrom shouldn't have it. Give it to conroy. He knows what it takes to go to the cup and he works hard every game. He always goes into the locker with cuts and bruises. GIVE IT TO CONROY!!!
Yeah right. Give him the C. So he can tear it off, demand to be traded, and then berate the fans again. Have seen that before. I am fine with giving it to Conroy or someone else. But please no Blake. Plus, I am sure by mid-November he will be out with an injury anyway.
I have a lot of confidence in Lombardi. I sure hope he knows what he is doing, but the moves so far......hmmmmm not sure Dean.
Give Blakey the "C" 
24diving
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