Continuing with LAKings.com’s weekly column featuring 4 hockey writers answering 4 questions (a Kings writer, a Wild writer, a Sharks writer and a Canucks writer)…
Here are this week’s questions: [My answers in brackets]
- Most memorable moment from the 2011-12 season?
- [For me it was the look on Dustin Brown's face the moment he lifted the Cup over his head. No wait. It was the moment Willie Mitchell lifted it. No, that's not it. It was the moment Drew Doughty... oh, never mind. The Los Angeles Kings winning the Stanley Cup is (and will forever be) the most memorable moment of the 2011-12 season. Period.]
- Fact or Fiction? Edmonton’s Nail Yakupov wins the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year).
- [Not true! After recovering from his treadmill mishap, he suffers a pregame warmup injury in his first ever NHL game thanks to Taylor Hall, which delays his season. Of course, I'm just kidding. I wish him all the luck in the world up in Edmonton. Lord knows he (and they) will need it.]
- Which player has the most pressure on him heading in the 2012-13 season?
- [Define 'most pressure.' If we're talking money pressure then sure, Suter and Weber are obvious choices. But I'm more inclined to focus on high team expectations and if we're talking that kind of pressure, then there will be none greater than on the Vancouver Canucks led by the Sedin twins. President trophy winners routed in the first round equals huge pressure. They are loved up there but how long can that love last if the Cup never comes?]
- Which team will be first to fire their head coach this season?
- [As much as getting fired sucks, I have to say as a fan, this is always a fun one to ponder. I'll say Chicago starts off strong so Quenneville won't be the first to go. If the Rangers or Canucks start slow, Torts or Vigneault could go but I doubt it. McLellan is a good pick if the Sharks balk to start the season but again, I think they'll start strong. So who will tank early? Hmmm. I'll say former D-man Jack Capuano from Long Island. The Islanders seem to change their coach annually so they are due. And if I had to pick a team to fall flat on their face to begin the season (whenever that may be) I'll say it's the rudderless club from Uniondale.]
What are your answers? Leave a comment below and thanks for visting KND. -PA
Most memorable moment from the 2011-12 season?
Game 6, June 11 2012 watching everyone in section 219 cry knowing it was happening, at last.
Fact or Fiction? Edmonton’s Nail Yakupov wins the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year).
Good pick, barring injury.
Which player has the most pressure on him heading in the 2012-13 season?
Alexander Semin. I think his rep as an underachiever is much worse than Penner’s. Penner can create plays, Semin’s style relies much more on his center to feed him the puck.
Which team will be first to fire their head coach this season?
San Jose Sharks.
Interesting pick with Semin. Isn’t pressure for him like pressure for Frolov? In other words, lack of desire? I wish there was a camera on each section when the Kings won the Cup. That footage would be great to watch as fans realize what just happened. Great stuff.