The Boys Are Back in Town

Long road trips suck for any team, but as I walked to Staples Center last night for the Kings first game on home ice in two weeks, I concluded ours was a blessing is disguise. If you must have one, a long road trip is probably better at the start of the season. After all, you're gonna play 82 games over the regular season, and if you make some mistakes at the beginning (which young teams tend to do) you haven't torpedoed all your chances. You still have time to make adjustments and right the ship. Make mistakes we did (see Kings vs Detroit...ugh!), but we came back with a record slightly above .500 and the knowledge that the worst of our travel is behind us.

That said, there's no place like home! And playing at home against the Dallas Stars is twice as nice!! Their starting goaltender, Marty Turco, has a history of folding like a cheap suit in our house, and hearing 10,000+ people chant T-U-R-C-O never gets old. The folks at Waste Management made the process even more fun tonight by providing these clappers!



Of course, Dallas then pulled a fast one on us and played their back-up goalie. Crap! But it was still amazing hearing people go nuts with these suckers during the game.

And I made another fun discovery in the cocktail department. The bar right next to our entrance sells top shelf margaritas in these handy, arena-friendly shakers. Now that's what I'm talking about!



Another benefit of playing Dallas...their team is full of good looking guys! My "Opposing Team Hottie of the Night" is normally an easy decision, but Mike Modano was out of the lineup. So I latched onto a new face this time.

Meet James Neal - #18





He's not only cute, he's a hell of a hockey player. He scored 2 goals on us, including one that tied the game 4-4 and sent it into overtime. It was such a laser of a shot, it hit the back of the net and bounced back out so fast they had to review it just to make sure it went in. Note to the Kings scouts - if Willy doesn't work out and we're still in the market for a goal scoring left winger, keep this guy in mind! Only 22! We could lock him down for years!

And Brad Richards is kinda cute too, for those of you into the blond thing....



Drew is finally out of the bubble helmet (Thank God!) thanks to new mouth piece. Apparently he loaned it to Stephane Robidas, who got his clock cleaned playing the Ducks and apparently sustained an injury requiring some more facial protection. I feel for ya Stephane....



And Mike Riberio, we need to talk about your hair. Exactly what the hell is that supposed to be? It's masquerading as the worst faux-hawk in history. Dustin Brown's kid Jake rocks a faux-hawk like nobodys business, so maybe he can help you out. Just get help soon...somewhere....



Speaking of Drew, the Kings Booster Club did it up right tonight. When Nadine met me in the seats, the first words out of her mouth were "Who's your best friend?" Well, you....duh.....and only my best friend would have my back and pick me up a Drew Doughty button right before they sold out!!





And then, the lights went down, and the unthinkable happened. The Star-Spangled Banner opened the game ceremonies! Apparently the Kings management heard us. Wow! Could this night have been any better?

Yeah, it could, and it was. I got on TV again! The Kings won 5-4 in OT! Anze Kopitar got a hat trick! Drew got ANOTHER assist! And the Kings are tops in the Western Conference!

I think I like long road trips......