Kings Milestone: Clean Sweep Complete

The simple act of adding Alexei Ponikarovsky to the Kings lineup carries more significance then some LA fans may realize; The Lombardi "Clean Sweep" can now be declared complete. .

Frolov's departure marks a milestone in Kings history.   With the exit of Alexander the final ghost of  "Kings' futility past" is banished, old habits are exercised and the era of new expectations is delivered whole.

It was not two 30+ goal seasons that made Frolov a standout in LA, rather it was his yearly presence as a skilled player on a sub par team that made him a favorite.  But, with plenty of sunshine, sand and empty training centers in LA who even bothered (other then perhaps Armstrong, Belanger or Laperriere)? 

LA developed a League reputation as a haven for the lazy, under performing player. It was culture, bad habits formed easy.  If a player longed for a Cup he had to leave this town...and then return for a rest.  Of  the lot only two proved to have the desire to be champions.

Meanwhile in LA old habits were hard to break.  Look at Alexander's last year wearing purple   He couldn't or wouldn't pass.  He wouldn't follow instructions.  Wouldn't amp up emotionally.  And, for the first sixty games he didn't give a whit about playing defense, either. Boy, does that sum up the LA Kings 2003-2008 or what?

By seasons end the best to be said for Alex came from two defensive plays against Vancouver .  Hail the new Alex, defensive monster, resurrected by a Miller and Fox struggling but finding little positive to say for him in the series.

Regardless of the spin Frolov & Co. tried to put on it, it not about the Kings or Murray.  Alex sealed his fate by not exercising his past.  The Kings are a new team with a new core, new values, new coach, new system and new attitude.  But it was the same Alex. 

His meter ran out in LA.  Time to park in a new spot.  Good move, timing is everything.

Good luck Alex  you've afforded yourself a chance to reinvent yourself;  but beware of redemption in the Garden, NY fans are more vocal and a heck of a lot more judgmental then LA fans...and they can be a touch inpatient.

Bye Alex.  Good Luck and Thanks for the Memories!