Scott Thornton News

As a teenaged rookie in 2003, Dustin Brown sat quietly in the Kings locker room, a polite observer.

After all their offseason preparation, the Ducks and Kings will hit the ice at training camp with two dramatically different problems.

From now through the start of the NHL season on Oct. 4, TSN.ca presents '30 Teams In 30 Days,' a quick glimpse at each NHL club as the 2008-09 campaign approaches.

Fans at Ottawa's Scotiabank Place booed lustily Friday night when the arch-rival Toronto Maple Leafs picked Saskatoon-raised defenceman Luke Schenn fifth overall.

Star midfielder Daniel Wells makes a welcome return for a North Melbourne side still short on forward firepower for Saturday night's vital AFL clash against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.

“It was everything I thought it would be, with the atmosphere, the fans and the energy on the bench. The playoffs are the ultimate competition. Montreal's Band of Brothers "It's what I have been dreaming about since I was a kid. It was a lot of fun.”

All three chipped in mightily in the 4-1 win series-opening win on Thursday, but while Hamrlik patrolled the blueline for the 56th time in the Stanley Cup playoffs and Smolinski was participating in his 112th ... via The Globe and Mail

“It would be a nice shot in the arm for the organization. ... I'm going to church (today).”

For the Kings, Saturday afternoon's game marked the end, the conclusion of another disappointing season and perhaps the end, period, for two of their players. via LA Daily News

“I've tried to prepare for it. I still love to play, but I think it's time”

Canada's entry at this year's world hockey championship can scratch Vincent Lecavalier from its wish list. via Slam Sports

“I've tried to prepare for it. I still love to play, but I think it's time”

Teemu Selanne is going to the playoffs. Scott Thornton could be headed for retirement. via SF Gate

“The most important thing is to win the lottery on Monday.”

Anze Kopitar scored twice in the third period as the Los Angeles Kings topped the San Jose Sharks, 4-2, snapping San Jose's 20-game points streak. via News Observer

Faceoff: 7:30 tonight at Staples Center TV: Fox Sports Net Plus Radio: 98.5, 1340, 1490 Head to head: The Kings may be buried at the bottom of the Western Conference, but they've been a thorn in the side of the ... via San Jose Mercury News

“I remember playing with a guy in St. Louis and he had separated his shoulder. (Coach Mike) Keenan made him put his gear on and go out for the period. It was pretty funny watching him tighten his skates with one arm.”

The Kings, 26-34-4, are 2-0-1 against the 29-30-5 Oilers. For the Oilers, this is a chance to atone for their breakdowns against the Detroit Red Wings. via Edmonton Journal

“It's different. You're aware it might happen, so you talk to your kids, you let them know, so they're not shocked if it does happen.”

Most of the Kings woke up in their own beds Wednesday, pulled out of their own driveways and parked in their familiar stalls at the team's El Segundo practice facility. via Los Angeles Times

“After we evaluated all the deals we felt that if we got in a situation where we needed to put a winger in and play in the top six, it was Bobby Ryan's time. We felt comfortable with that”

Despite being one of the few teams in the NHL pegged as sellers for months, the Kings ended up being only minor movers Tuesday at the trade deadline. via LA Daily News

“We feel that Cam's style of play will bring energy and grit to our lineup and being from St. Louis, feel that he will be an instant fan favouite here”

Los Angeles Kings' Scott Thornton, right, throws a punch to the head of St. Louis Blues' Bryce Salvador during the third period of the hockey game in Los Angeles on Feb. via Globe and Mail

A glance at the standings confirms the Kings remain the worst team in the NHL. Anyone watching them play the past few weeks might be tempted to double check. via San Gabriel Valley Tribune

“I'm not going to go into that”

His smiling face in the Kings' media guide was about the only tangible evidence goaltender Dan Cloutier still had much of a link to Los Angeles . via Los Angeles Times

NEW YORK -- Alexander Frolov and Anze Kopitar each had a goal and an assist to lead the Kings to a 4-2 victory over the New York Rangers tonight. via Los Angeles Times

Rob Blake scored a rare power-play goal for Los Angeles in the third period, and Jason LaBarbera made 28 saves to lift the suddenly surging Kings to a 3-1 victory over the slumping New York Islanders on ... via Journal Gazette

“When your team is younger, they have to learn how to win”

The Kings come out of the All-Star break with an eight-game, 15-day swing through the EastCoast beginning today in Philadelphia. via LA Daily News