Kings vs Rangers: I Think We've Turned A Corner

Kings fans can probably best be described as cautiously optimistic. If you've followed this team for the last few years, you learn that for every up there's a down coming. We're collectively waiting for the other shoe to drop. So when the Kings took the ice tonight at Staples Center, coming off a 5 game road trip undefeated, I was wondering which team would show up:

• Team A - The one with continued momentum and focus that would extend our win streak
• Team B - The one that comes flat in the first period from the relief of finally being home, loses focus, AND ultimately gives away the game.
  

I knew our opponent wasn't going to make it easy. The New York Rangers, fighting to stay in the play-off picture, made some trades in the past couple of days, and were kind enough to bring their new team members to play this evening. They also have a couple of notable prior Kings on the roster - big-bodied forward Brian Boyle and perpetual pest Sean Avery, hockey's favorite bad boy.



He looks all cute and innocent when he's smiling, but this guy is as annoying as they come. Avery was already smack talking the crowd as I was watching warm-ups. Although from this angle, all I could think of was putting my foot square in his ass and kicking him over.



Say what you will about Avery, but he brings competitive energy to the ice. If the Kings were going to win, they were gonna have to work for it.

I shouldn't have worried. Team A showed up and was firmly in charge all 60 minutes of the game, winning 2-1 on the strength of 2nd period short-handed goal by the surging Anze Kopitar, and a beautiful wrist shot at close range by Ryan Smyth in the 3rd. The Rangers played a gritty, hard-checking game, and their goalie Henrik Lundquist made some amazing stops that kept the score close. The Rangers lone goal came with 2:37 left, but the Kings hung in and closed the deal. In the process, it feels like this team has turned a corner and learned how to win no matter where they're playing or what it takes. The Kings are now the proud owners of a 7 game winning streak and firm grasp of 5th place in the Western Conference, which means a play-off spot. Maybe the other shoe is finally history.

One area where the Rangers did shine was player hotness! You can't tell from this photo, but goalie Henrik Lundquist is possibly the best looking man in hockey.



Click here and you'll see what I mean. SO HOT it should be illegal. But it's kind of unfair to everyone else to make him the "Opposing Team Hottie of the Night." He's in the Hall of Fame of Hotness already, so let's give some other boys a chance, shall we?

First up in the honorable mention category is former King Brian Boyle.



While I don't miss his non-existent hockey skills, he was always pleasing to look at and very nice to chat with. And at 6' 7" and 252 pounds, he's a whole lot of man, if you know what I mean.

Then there is the newest member of the Rangers (through trade from the Calgary Flames), Brandon Prust.



He gets an honorable mention for 2 very good reasons. He hails from London, Ontario (home of our very own Kings hottie Drew Doughty), and he also wears number 8. There must be something in the water in London, because they grow very nice looking hockey players up there. It's just a shame Brandon's debut with the Rangers was spoiled by a fight with the Kings Brandon Segal, an instigator penalty and a 10 minute game misconduct. But don't worry Brandon, you're still adorable!

But after considerable thought and lots of photo review, my choice for "Opposing Team Hottie of the Night" is #34 - Left winger Aaron Voros!



Scruffy, intense eyes, great smile, AND he can chew gum and skate at the same time! I'm sure it's not as easy as it looks. And at 6'4" and 215 lbs, there's plenty of him to love. Congrats Aaron! I'm sure King Henrik is proud of you. Send him my love, by the way...

While a 7 game winning streak is certainly something to celebrate, there was one more thing that made the night perfect. I found a Doughty Team Canada Olympic jersey at the Team LA Store. Right there on the end cap, waiting for me to wear it.





I'm still amazed I couldn't BUY one of these IN CANADA, but thrilled I got one in time for the Olympics. So now you know who I'm rooting for, and it isn't Team USA. I'm an adopted Canadian when it comes to hockey. So sue me....

In the meantime, the Kings look to extend their win streak to 8 games Thursday against our arch enemies from The OC, the Anaheim Ducks. GO KINGS GO!