The best answer will come on ice

In the NFL, there's the Wonderlic test.

In the NHL, anything goes.

Karl Alzner, an 18-year-old defenseman expected to be taken early today in the NHL draft -- perhaps by the Kings with the fourth pick overall -- said he was befuddled by some of the questions he was asked in pre-draft interviews.

"I've had two questions that have been so tough for me," he said. "It was a psychiatrist. He asked me [the meaning of]: A stitch in time saves nine. And I blanked, I told him, 'I have no clue what you're talking about.' And then he asked me: 'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.' Once again I paused and 10, 15 seconds went by and nothing.

"Finally he told me the first one and I got the second one. Those were off the charts. They're interesting though, and they made sense once I figured them out."

Nerves? "A little bit," Alzner said. "Then I asked him after why he asked questions like that. And he said he wants to see you handle being in a place you don't know anything about. He really caught me there and exposed me. Good on him."

Trivia time

Which of the Ducks' Niedermayer brothers was drafted higher, Scott or Rob?

Bonds market

A Barry Bonds rookie card in perfect condition used to fetch $2,500. But as Bonds approaches Hank Aaron's record of 755 home runs, the value has dropped dramatically.

"It's trading currently at the $300 to $500 level," said Andy Madec, a Camarillo-based dealer.

"It's amazing there's not more demand for Barry Bonds items. But it's not just accomplishments. It's how endearing you are to fans. His lack of popularity and tainted image have affected it.

"Even after he surpasses the record -- and it's pretty obvious he's going to do it -- I don't think it will make much of a difference."

Waffle night

The Fort Myers Miracle, a minor league baseball team in the Florida State League, hosted "Billy Donovan Night" to poke fun at the Florida Gators basketball coach who reneged on a $27.5-million deal to coach the Orlando Magic.

The Miracle even recruited another Billy Donovan to throw out the first pitch -- but it didn't happen.

At the last minute, he backed out.

Trivia answer

Scott Niedermayer was taken third overall by New Jersey in 1991. Rob was taken fifth by Florida in 1993.

King for a day

(or two)

Sitting at the Kings' table during the NHL draft will be a teenager from Simi Valley named Ethan who will serve as a runner.