That's right. The Blues scored on the first play off the draw, 14 SECONDS into the game. And in the strangest turn of events I've ever seen, they were simultaneously assessed a bench minor for an illegal roster because someone BESIDES one of their starters took the ice. But the illegal player didn't score the goal, so it still counted. Huh?
To say we played flat the first two periods is probably an understatement. The Blues dominated the pace, took us off our game plan, at hit us with everything they had physically (yes, I'm looking at YOU Brad Winchester!). When we finally got our act together and found some energy in the 3rd period, Drew's 2 assists and Brandon Segal's first NHL goal were little comfort for the Kings fans. It was just too little too late.
The "powerless power play" returned, with the Kings unable to convert on any of their chances. Matt Greene and Sean O'Donnell has 3 fights between them, yet our "big gun" Raitas Ivanans didn't drop a glove all night. And Bailey got so upset, he broke his drum trying to rally the crowd.
Then to add insult to injury, Drew got tagged with a slashing penalty in the last minute of the game. What a depressing scoreboard to finish the game...
So with the loss, the Kings are left barely hanging on to the number 8 spot in the conference standings, a mere point head of Detroit. And if we don't get our mojo back before Monday, we're almost guaranteed to be Shark bait as San Jose rolls into town, no doubt looking to avenge the Kings incredible victory this past Monday. Hockey is a funny game.
There were a few lighter moments throughout the evening. On the walk over through the courtyard at LA Live, I glimpsed participants in the San Manuel Poker Tournament. Kings entertainment announcer Jay Flats was holding court and showing off his poker dealing skills.
I also caught Kings alum Brad Norton looking on. And yes, he's almost a head taller than everyone else around him, which made him easy to spot.
The during the game, I stood behind this guy in the Wetzel's Pretzel line. Ah, my poor Sully...how is it that every team you join seems to struggle (his current crew, the Edmonton Oilers, is dead last in the Western Conference)? But more importantly, why would you have one players name on your jersey, then have ANOTHER player sign it? Yes, that's Dustin Brown's signature in the 2. Fan Fail!
Now on to the "Opposing Team Hotties of the Night." Eric Brewer caught my eye immediately because he's cute AND he skates without his helmet. He's a little more clean cut than I usually like, but very nice. AND he's the captain....we LOVE those.
But the Hottie of the Night goes firmly to 24 year old center TJ Oshie of Mt. Vernon, WA. You just have to love those rosy cheeks and that great hockey hair. Congrats TJ!
Just as I was headed back to my seat, confident I had the right "Hottie," Nadine spotted former king Derek "Army" Armstrong! HOLY COW! So I ran back down to the glass, yelling "We miss you Army!" and determined to get some good photos and make him an honorary "Hottie of the Night."
It was so great to see him Army back on the ice at Staples Center. During his tenure in LA, Army was a huge fan favorite, great clubhouse guy, and team ping pong champion! He was always incredibly approachable and ready with that great smile. Nice to have you back Army...I just wish you were still in a Kings uniform!
One other happy post-script before I go! Big thanks to Martha Bilbao Cognac, who read my last blog and linked me to her photo of the famous "Our #8 is better than your #8" from the Caps game. You can view it at the Drew Doughty Fan Club group on Facebook.
Now I'm off to help the Kings find their mojo....
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