The Kings acquired center Mike Richards from Philadelphia on June 23 and on the last day of September he finally scored his first goal in an L.A. sweater to help his new team win in Anaheim 3-1. And this marks the end of the Kings and Ducks So-Cal portion of their preseason schedules.

I fortunately ran into Richards after tonight’s game as he rode an exercise bike just outside of the Kings locker room. He graciously gave me his time (while huffing and puffing and pedaling) for his thoughts before playing in Europe for the first time and then soon after ending up back in Philly for what will be one emotional return to the City of Brotherly Love.

On July 27, Richards was introduced to the L.A. media for the first time at the Kings El Segundo training site and I recorded interviews with Richie, Kings’ General Manager Dean Lombardi, and centerman Jarret Stoll about #10’s acquisition. Lombardi explained why he wanted Richards so badly to make a multi-player trade, and his strong respect for the Flyers organization and how he would like the Kings to emulate their special family-like atmosphere. Stoll got into how impressed he was with Richards in their first get togethers while assessing the 2011-12 Kings chances of bringing a first Stanley Cup to L.A.

I thought I had somehow erased those chats which is why I never posted them here. But tonight, I ironically found them after Richards scored his initial Kings goal so they are all here now for your listening pleasure-beginning with tonight’s postgame chat with Richie, who missed a late game empty-netter in which he explained was actually a good thing (hopefully)…

Mike Richards with Ted Sobel before heading to Las Vegas/Europe:

Mike Richards with Ted Sobel on his first few days in L.A. recorded July 27, 2011:

Dean Lombardi with Ted Sobel July 27, 2011:

Jarret Stoll with Ted Sobel July 27, 2011: