Smyth is already a fan fave in LA

Photo slide show from the Kings website of tonight's win over the Ducks. Notice how many pics there are of Smytty. Damn, I effing miss him already.

over 2 years ago BeachNSnowGirl 15 comments 0 recs |

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Why wouldn’t he be? The guy was one of a small hand-ful; of Avs who actually gave a shit last year, regardless of the team’s record, and the score in the game.

by chiavsfan on Sep 20, 2009 5:48 AM MDT reply actions

oh, i knew he would be

and for the reasons you mentioned, which are precisely why it actually physically hurts to see him in a kings sweater. i hated seeing bruno go; i was livid about lappy; but for some reason, seeing smyth like that…i get really, really sad.

The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Anything is possible.

"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong

by BeachNSnowGirl on Sep 20, 2009 9:08 AM MDT up reply actions

not so much at games

Smyth did not draw a lot of enthusiasm from fans I talked to at games or seated around me at games. Now Lappy that is a different story and people are still unhappy about that trade.

by eve on Sep 20, 2009 1:16 PM MDT reply actions

Lappy left in free agency perhaps you are referring to Drury?

by baachus on Sep 20, 2009 2:33 PM MDT up reply actions

Lappy's departure was not what he wanted

He made it very public he wanted to retire here in Colorado. There was even a petition going around to keep him here. The Avs refused to offer him a fair contract, so he did what he had to for his family and himself. IMO that takes the “free” out of free agency.

Colorado Avalanche: Please excuse the mess while we are under construction.

by hockeymom on Sep 20, 2009 6:53 PM MDT up reply actions

I know he was well liked and all but we didn’t need him. McCloud has done an awesome job of replacing him. Also, I think it’s helped to switch things up a little. Now we have an all new chemistry that is working. Almost every year there’s going to be a departure that the fans don’t like. I really like Lappy but getting too attached to a fourth line player will only bring you down later.

by mcarson01 on Oct 16, 2009 5:20 PM MDT up reply actions

games in CO or in LA? i’m speaking about current LA fans, and all those i’ve talked to since the trade was made (and living here means i know a ton) are stoked about it and are excited to have smyth a part of the kings. he’s already made a big impression out here. in fact, i’ve even talked with retired kings players themselves and they think it was a good move by LA.

The 2009-2010 Colorado Avalanche: Anything is possible.

"To all the cynics, I'm sorry for you, ... I'm sorry you can't believe in miracles."
-Lance Armstrong

by BeachNSnowGirl on Sep 20, 2009 3:37 PM MDT up reply actions

I think a lot of fans in CO saw Smyth as a wasted contract because he wasn’t putting up 50 goals a year, and over 100 points.

The problem is, that’s not the type of player that Smyth is. Smyth is a leader and a garbage goaler, who wasn’t given a chance to do that here.

He labored under Q and TG’s insistence, especially on the powerplay, that all plays be made from behind the net. Smyth also had no powerplay QB who could get a decent shot on goal.

He is also a leader, and his intangibles will always be better than his hockey “ability.” Smyth wasn’t flashy, and wasn’t the savior that many maybe thought he was going to be (given his contract)…and that’s why I think the casual fan didn’t like him, or aren’t sad to see him gone.

I am immensely sad to see him gone. His leadership and his “I give a shit” attitude was one of few things that made me watch the Avs after the All-star break last year. I’ll watch a lot more Kings games this year because of him

by chiavsfan on Sep 21, 2009 5:52 AM MDT up reply actions

Agree with all of this. I’ve said it before, but stats don’t adequately show what Smyth does, he creates a lot of points that don’t get in his own stats by screens or causing a ruckus down low.

The 2009-10 Colorado Avalanche: Aiming for the Charity Point
Jibblescribbits: C'mon over and waste some time

by Jibblescribbits on Sep 21, 2009 8:47 AM MDT up reply actions

If only we had someone shooting from the point…if only we had someone shooting from the point…

MHH: Like the Avs organization, we’ve now officially lost our minds.

I'm The Canary - but I'm not cute nor cuddly, and I don't sing.

by Americanario on Sep 21, 2009 6:37 PM MDT up reply actions

Sorry not clear comment

Fans in Denver never seemed to really identify with Smyth. I think his many injuries at the beginning of his career in Denver probably did not help. I agree with LA fans I think Smyth will add a lot to their team. I expect LA to be very good this year. Lappy did leave at free agency but many fans did not think Denver made a serious offer to keep him. I am glad Lappy has found a good home.

by eve on Sep 20, 2009 4:09 PM MDT reply actions