'Your papers, please' must never be heard in America
It seemed to happen so fast because it did. It was June 23 and Jeff Carter had already been traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets when the Philadelphia Flyers dealt Mike Richards to the Los Angeles Kings. It was the NHL's version of cats and dogs living together, mass hysteria.
A great road playoff run has the Los Angeles Kings in a place they haven't been since the Great One was skating in Southern California.
Although Mike Richards and a couple of his Los Angeles teammates might have information that could help the Vancouver Canucks out of a daunting playoff deficit, don't expect them to give it up.
The Los Angeles Kings needed a goal-scorer. The Columbus Blue Jackets simply needed a redo.
On Oct. 14, the morning after Jay Beagle suffered a concussion in a fight with Arron Asham and had to leave the Washington Capitals' game at the Pittsburgh Penguins, Brooks Laich had some pretty pointed comments about the league's protocol process.
Under the visor, Mike Richards looks the same.
Team overviews of all the teams in the NHL.
Only 16 months ago, Mike Richards hoisted the Eastern Conference championship trophy to a roaring Flyers crowd.
Wayne Simmonds should have been able to talk about what a fine first impression he's made on his new team.
When Jaromir Jagr left three years ago to play in Russia, he thought his NHL career was over.
When Jaromir Jagr left three years ago to play in Russia, he thought his NHL career was over.
The Philadelphia Flyers have signed James van Riemsdyk to a six-year contract extension.
Ilya Bryzgalov already has a fan club. Wearing his Flyers jersey and cap, he finished a press conference and left to mingle with autograph seekers and picture snappers waiting for the All-Star goaltender at the bottom of the stairs.
Ilya Bryzgalov already has a fan club. Wearing his Flyers jersey and cap, he finished a press conference and left to mingle with autograph seekers and picture snappers waiting for the All-Star goaltender at the bottom of the stairs.
Los Angeles Kings general manager Dean Lombardi is still steamed at the Oilers after he traded Ryan Smyth to Edmonton for a player who can't play.
"I don't think we're surprised," forward Mike Richards said.
Richards said he hasn't had a chance to reflect much on this run and the tumult of the past year.
