Kings not worried about space limits
NEWARK, N.J.— Equipment boxes labeled “Mexico,” “Caribou” and “Atomic Strobe” were stashed just off the ice at the Prudential Center on Friday.
Clearly there was more going on here than hockey.
While puckheads waited outside for last-minute Stanley Cup Final tickets, Radiohead’s crew was setting up inside.
The alternative rock band’s previously scheduled concert caused some minor inconveniences between the first two games in the series between the Kings and New Jersey Devils.
It made security more challenging Friday. Those checking people had to first determine one thing: hockey player or roadie? At this point the Kings’
Dustin Penner could go either way.
“I would have to be a different shape to be considered a roadie,” Penner said.
Maybe, but with the shaggy playoff beard and a missing front tooth, it’s a close call.
The Kings are at ease with the situation, and even accepted sharing space with the band. The Kings and Radiohead have been in the same end of the arena the last two days, with a curtain the dividing line in the hallway.
Curiously, the sign pointing to the “massage” room was not meant for hockey players.
“They have their own cook,” Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi said. “We need to look into getting one of those.”
Few in the Kings’ locker room seemed to know exactly who, or what, Radiohead was.
“I don’t know any of their songs,” said forward Colin Fraser, who admitted Nickelback tops his music list.
“Everyone makes fun of me,” Fraser said. “Now the fans are probably going to make fun of me. But I’m man enough to admit it.”
Kings players skipped the concert Thursday and went to a comedy club to see J.B. Smoove.
“We had two days off and thought we should go do something interesting,” Fraser said.
An “Atomic Strobe Light” apparently wasn’t intriguing enough. Point man
Ilya Kovalchuk simplified the Devils’ play in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Kings in Game 1. “I’m a goal scorer and I didn’t score,” Kovalchuk said. “I felt bad because I didn’t create much.” He wasn’t alone. Kovalchuk had one shot, as the Devils managed only 18 against Jonathan Quick.
“We didn’t make it tough on him,” Kovalchuk said. “We have got to put more pressure on him from the beginning. We know it’s not going to be pretty, but we have to do it. They are going to try to take our skates away.” Dog days
Fraser scored in the Kings’ victory Wednesday, and that was celebrated by everyone at his parent’s home … except Mocha.
“My dad screamed so loud it scared their dog,” Fraser said.
As to whether it was a case for the SPCA, Fraser said, “I don’t think so. Mom’s there to smack Dad.” Where’s Pokey?
Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur had nothing but praise Friday for Quick, saying the Kings’ goalie was so flexible it made him think of Gumby.
That brought a rare smile from Quick. He told the French newspaper Journal de Montreal that he remembered the cartoon character and pals. “When I was younger my grandmother also liked Gumby,” he said.