Out of gas. Hit a wall. Wasted. Pooped. Spent. Beat. Bushed. Drained. Dead. However you want to phrase it, the Los Angeles Kings have simply run out of energy. Following one of the league's toughest schedules in March, by all accounts and purposes, the over-performing Kings have crashed back down to the Earth in the most ungraceful manner with a stinky 0-3 road trip, in which their recent matchup against Minnesota saw them not only blow a 3-0 lead in a very short amount of time, but also surrend...
Apr 12, 2022•37 min
The trade deadline may have come and gone very quietly for L.A., but other teams around the league were busy making moves for what they hope will be a deep playoff run. On this special episode, Ryan Dunn and Sarah Avampato join James and Robyn to discuss the Kings' (lack of) trades and what will hopefully be a lengthy playoff for the team's AHL affiliate, Ontario Reign. Questions pondered include how will Troy Stecher fit in with the team and what are they going to do with their 12 restricted fr...
Mar 26, 2022•1 hr 13 min
On Thursday, at the morning ahead of their final season tilt against the San Jose Sharks , the Los Angeles Kings and their fans got possibly the best trade deadline acquisition news possible: Alex Edler would be returning to the lineup. Out with a broken ankle for 110 days, the team’s inexperienced blue liners sorely missed Edler’s calm, stabilizing presence. On this episode of Crown Conversations, James and Robyn discuss potential trade deadline moves for the Kings. With Ken Hughes getting quit...
Mar 19, 2022•55 min
Injuries and illness are a natural part of being human and nothing epitomizes that more than sports, particularly at the professional level. Rivaling 2018 for their oddest rash of injuries, though, the Los Angeles Kings are limping into the home stretch of their season more than a little banged up and bruised. All six of their defensemen who started on the opening roster have now been placed either on Injured Reserved or Long-Term Injured Reserve. The first domino to fall was Sean Walker, when h...
Mar 16, 2022•53 min
Not Dead Ryan Dunn makes his miraculous return from the grave to chat with James and Robyn about the Los Angeles Kings' over reliance on Philip Danault and Anze Kopitar, who are leading the way for their lines and the team as a whole. But the lines with Brendan Lemieux and Dustin Brown have been struggling off and on for much of January. Who is this team? According to James, they're Chaos Creators. But for Robyn, the lack of consistency is tied to a still-unknown identity three years into head c...
Jan 29, 2022•44 min
The Los Angeles Kings are, at best, a highly streaky team with a seeming identity crisis looming over them for the third straight year. Meanwhile, their Stanley Cup Final foes from 2014 New York Rangers have a solid understanding of who they are and what they excel at--namely, excellent goaltending with timely goal scoring. Their special teams are also among the tops in the league with a sparkling 84.4% on their fifth-ranked penalty kill and eighth on the power play, clipping along at a remarkab...
Jan 24, 2022•25 min
Recorded after the Los Angeles Kings lost to the visiting Calgary Flames and Darryl Sutter, James and Robyn discuss the team's woes and what can be done. Is trading for Jake DeBrusk the answer? What about Kale Clague? (This was obviously before the Montreal Canadiens claimed him off waivers) At the time of the recording, both Brendan Lemieux and Brad Marchand had been suspended for breaking the rules. Plus, the pair play Armchair GM and Armchair Coach. Hear their takes on how they'd slate the cu...
Dec 14, 2021•46 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Unlike Disney, James and Robyn are NOT going to make you wait an entire year for this highly anticipated follow up to an incredible first part. It’s just going to feel like it. In part 2 of this interview with Jim Fox, the oenophilia and hockey analyst goes behind the scenes (so-to-speak) of his wine label, Patiné Cellars, and its origin story (hint: it involves a lot of travel). Fox also shares how he calls games fair and balanced and the secret to his puns. Thank you once more to Jim Fox who w...
Aug 13, 2021•39 min•Season 2Ep. 12
“What’s ‘Luff’ got to do with it!” Jim Fox shouted right after Matt Luff scored his first NHL goal. These silly puns make his broadcast partner Alex Faust groan and roll his eyes, but it’s all in good fun—and levity something Fox likes to sprinkle into his calls every now and again. Have you ever wondered how the former Los Angeles King and current color analyst comes up with his jokes? Or wondered how he got his start in the wine business? How about where this faved bon vivant likes to eat on t...
Jul 08, 2021•21 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Viktor Arvidsson was a pretty popular guy on the Nashville Predators, so it’s no surprise that two of his closest teammates were... disappointed to learn that their pal had been traded. But, in terms of a culture add, this should bode well for Los Angeles. Arvidsson, 28, has a keen nose for the net and likes to shoot the puck. A lot. For a team that struggled mightily to get shots off and ended up middle-of-the-pack in terms of unblocked shot attempts, this should be a very big boon for them. Wh...
Jul 03, 2021•34 min•Season 2Ep. 12
The Los Angeles Kings finished with the meekest of mehs to end their season. Instead of going out with a bang to prove they were fighters, they quietly disappeared about four games before the year officially ended. James and Robyn reflect back on the good, the bad and the woof. Joining them is special undead former BOC writer Ryan Dunn to discuss what went right with the Kings and where they can improve in the future. Plus, they look at potential trade targets (no, Jack Eichel is not a good fit ...
May 29, 2021•1 hr 3 min
The Kings and Ducks are playing a mini playoff series with only pride at stake since neither are making the actual postseason. That said, these "rivalry" games are always treated intensely and there's even more at stake with hot prospects Trevor Zegras and Quinton Byfield (possibly) seeing NHL time. With CJ's help, we go in-depth on the Ducks' problems, the Shea Theodore trade, and how youth does not equate automatic success. He defends Frederik Andersen, stating that the Toronto Maple Leafs act...
Apr 29, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In somewhat of a surprising move, the Los Angeles Kings traded Jeff Carter to the Pittsburgh Penguins just ahead of the NHL's official trade deadline. While Carter was the most expendable veteran who could be moved, fans were still disappointed to see him dealt away, signaling what is likely the final crushing blow to the team's (extremely slim) playoffs hopes for this year. It's also the end of an era as all the members of 2014's famed "'70s Line" are no longer with the Kings. On top of that, C...
Apr 13, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Inconsistency is the name of the game for the Los Angeles Kings as they frustrate and falter in their attempts to make the playoffs this year. Some nights they look incredible while other nights, they don't look like they've ever played a single game together. Will Brendan Lemieux's gritty presence help the Kings in any way on the ice? He's great at drawing penalties, but that seems to be his only skill. Rob Blake also traded Mike Amadio for Christian Wolanin in what appears to be a minor league...
Apr 05, 2021•1 hr 15 min•Season 2Ep. 8
With 28 games in the books, it's time to pull out the spreadsheets and do some math. Or, rather, use a rudimentary understanding of hockey statistics to analyze the Los Angeles Kings' performance so far this season. The Kings are notoriously streaky (thus, the nickname Cardiac Kings), but sometimes corsi and xG (expected goals) can give a pretty clear overall picture of how a team is doing. In short: Not bad; not good, but not bad, either. No longer Corsi Kings of the past, this team with a lot ...
Mar 22, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 7
We are back with another fantastic episode! Sorry it's been so long, but life gets in the way sometimes. We take a look at the Kings' youth--is it experience or size that the team truly lacks? James is insistent that the line of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Alex Iafallo is the only one with size and that's why it's succeeding (despite the fact that Gabe Vilardi and Adrian Kempe are both 6'0 or taller, so maybe, as Robyn believes, it's not "size" but inexperience)? Plus, we discuss Rasmus Kupa...
Mar 08, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The Los Angeles Kings are off to a disappointing start. So instead of focusing on them, Robyn (sans James, who was busy working today, womp womp) chatted with Erica Ayala, journalist and media member covering all things NWHL. Erica joined Crown Conversations to preview the #NDubble season which kicks off this Saturday, January 23 when newcomers Toronto Six take on hearty fan favorite Metropolitan Riveters. Erica and Robyn also reflect back on the business aspect of the persistence of the NWHL an...
Jan 21, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 5
New year, new podcast! On this episode, James and Robyn delve deep into the IIHF World Junior Championship and some of the notable Los Angeles Kings prospects playing for a chance at glory, among them being Alex Turcotte, Quinton Byfield, and Alex Kaliyev. James makes note of Turcotte and Kaliyev playing on a line and thinks they almost look like they’re auditioning for a spot on the NHL roster. TSN said Drew Doughty sucks and that made him mad—but is this really “fired up” Drew Doughty or merel...
Jan 10, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 4
It’s (the end of) December, which means that the holiday season has come and almost gone by this point. ’Tis to be merry and mad! How ever you plan to celebrate with friends and family, be it in person or virtually, there’s sure to be someone who says something stupid and starts some kind of argument with everyone else. With only New Year’s Eve as the other big holiday remaining, James and Robyn take a look back at some of the most memorable fights and best chirps. Kyle Clifford getting dropped,...
Dec 24, 2020•54 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Hope everyone had a lovely (holiday) weekend. We dropped the first part of our discussion on the NHL’s latest cash grab shortly before (American) Thanksgiving, so here we are again with the rest of the teams we didn’t discuss the first time around! On this episode, we chat about whatever it is that the Edmonton Oilers are doing, the forgettableness of both the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators ‘ jerseys are as well as the Philadelphia Flyers ‘ disappointing miss (hello, Bernie Parent anybody?) J...
Dec 04, 2020•43 min•Season 2Ep. 2
James and Sarah join Crown Conversations to discuss the NHL's latest cash grab: The reverse retro jerseys. Some are fine , some are fire , and some are just plain bad (looking at you, Winnipeg Jets). In Part 1, topics discussed include the LA Kings (obviously), the Anaheim Ducks (project incomplete), the Calgary Flames (Blasty!), the Buffalo Sabres (and their pitiful lack of Buffaslug) jerseys and Tyler Toffoli's choice of footwear. Plus, Jeff Carter looks like a Los Angeles hobo (but the rich k...
Nov 24, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Whew, what a day! The second round, which typically takes only a few hours to complete, took an astonishing eight-plus hours to wrap up. But in that time, the Los Angeles Kings, holding nine draft picks, selected eight young men from four different countries (USA, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia). James Nicholson and Sarah Avampato join me once again to discuss LA’s shiny new boys and grade the draft. We also talk about what a potential coup it could be if Lias Andersson pans out. Rob Blake flipped th...
Oct 08, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 43
On this episode, Sarah Avampato joins me to discuss Tim Smith, the man inside the Bailey costume, and the lawsuit brought against him. In a Friday news dump, the organization quietly announced that Smith “has been terminated by the organization following an internal investigation” after a former member of the Ice Crew filed a lawsuit against Smith, AEG, and the Kings in August. Smith was subsequently suspended on August 14 pending an internal investigation before eventually being fired on Friday...
Oct 05, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 42
Logan Stark from Defending Big D joins CC to discuss the Dallas Stars, their roster makeup, and depth vs depth. We talk at length about her hometown favorite boy Tyler Johnson and the potential of seeing the league shift towards a more dynamic, offensive-focused roster similar to the Lightning. Plus, how good has Anton Khudobin been, why is he such a delight, and would anyone truly mind if he just swiped the Stanley Cup and ran away with it? We also discuss Dallas' coaching drama and the shutdow...
Sep 25, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 41
Hardev Lad from sister SBN blog Raw Charge joins Crown Conversations to talk about the Tampa Bay Lightning and their quest to lift Lord Stanley’s shiny silver chalice. Steven Stamkos remains an unknown factor, but if he were to suit up, where could he fit into the lineup? How would Jon Cooper best utilize the star forward’s skills? We also talk about the magical postseason that Brayden Point is having as well as Tampa’s insane depth (seriously, Tyler Johnson is on the THIRD LINE, Cedric Paquette...
Sep 23, 2020•25 min•Season 1Ep. 40
A little bonus episode to talk about the Vancouver Canucks and why you should support our dear boys Tyler Toffoli and Tanner Pearson with the Vancouver Canucks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Season 1Ep. 39
We are about 2/5 of the way through most of the qualifying round. Are you looking to bandwagon a team for the rest of this "playoff" series? Maybe you're still on the fence as to who you should root for. Sarah and I already gave our thoughts on who we'd like to see win and why. Maybe you just don't know enough about any of the teams to decide why you should root for them. Well, don't take my word for it. Hear from Cat Silverman (Coyotes) and Bryan Bastin (Predators) why you should root for eithe...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 39
The NHL has resumed operations—kind of. The Great Pause of 2020 has ceased and now it’s time for hockey inside the bubble as 24 teams traveled to Toronto and Edmonton to play not-regular-season hockey. Sarah and I discuss the NHL’s response to racism and how WNBA players are leading the way. (Really, anytime you want to look at human rights activism, Black and Trans womxn are at the forefront showing us how sh*t gets done.) Plus, we talk about the Chicago Blackhawks (and their lack of response t...
Aug 02, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 38
The worst year ever for sports somehow managed to get even worse when the news came out that the Los Angeles Kings parted ways with a number of incredible people from Mike Futa, Mike Stothers and even Jon Rosen. It’s unfortunate, but sports is a business and when there is no business, sucky things have to happen. On this episode of Crown Conversations, Sarah and James join me to look back at James’ time with the Kings and reflect on the amazing personality that Jon always managed to bring to his...
Jun 16, 2020•41 min•Season 1Ep. 37
We're officially not sticking to sports anymore. As a privileged person with a platform, this is an opportunity for me to stand up for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and show my solidarity. Matt and I discuss racism, how to be a better ally, and how hockey is such a niche sport. As promised in my podcast, I have included resources for other folks to educate themselves. As someone who was ignorant, I've been a part of the problem for too long. It's going to take time and we may mess u...
Jun 05, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 36
