I'm in Las Vegas and I'm writing this from my iPad in a smokey hotel Starbucks.....you're welcome!
The Anaheim Ducks took care of business in front of an excited Honda Center crowd on Thursday night. The Ducks came from behind to defeat the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in what was the warm-up act for the same two teams much anticipated outdoor showdown in Chavez Ravine later tonight.
Anaheim improved their home record to 21-1-2 in the hard fought and penalty filled game. The Kings came ready to play and had it not been for another fine performance from Freddie Andersen the outcome would have definitely been reversed.
The game was intense and it had all the makings of a classic L.A./Anaheim tilt. The visiting Kings jumped on the Home team early, out shooting the Ducks 14-3 through 20 minutes.
That's when things changed and the Ducks beat the Kings at their own game. Anaheim outhit L.A. By a 2-to-1 margin to grind out the win. Anaheim killed all four L.A. power plays along the way.
Andersen was great again, making 30 saves to improve to 13-2 in his young NHL career.
It was fitting that former- King flop, Dustin Penner scored against his ex-mates. He has 13 goals this season since signing with Anaheim in the offseason. He had 11 in 117 games with the 'crowned' ones.
And what a goal by Patty Maroon?
But that's all in the past. Today is the day we have had marked on our calendar since the four stadium series games were announced last summer.
Now onto to today's game at Dodger Stadium.
*** Who's ready for some real fun in the sun? I mean the entire country in blanketed in snow and ice. I mean they are actually talking about changing the date of the Super Bowl because of the cold and here we are playing an important hockey game in 70 degrees of cloudless skies and sun... Go figure.
Last night I watched the replay of the first ever meeting between Anaheim and L.A. on Prime Ticket. I would argue this game is just as monumental as that one. Hockey in L.A., in Dodger Stadium with two of the best teams in hockey...who happen to be from, of all places, CALIFORNIA!
The Kings are 0-3-1 in the last four and Anaheim had the best record in the league. The clubs have split the two games they met this season and somethings gotta give.
We know what's at stake...pride, bragging rights, points and a possible shift in momentum. So who wins? Honestly, who cares? It's hockey, outside in Los Angeles! The venue will also feature an outdoor volleyball pit, a roller hockey rink by home plate and a performance by KISS,( who happen to won the new arena football teams based in Anaheim.)
As a hockey fan, I'm stoked. As a Ducks blogger, I hope this epic event ends with Anaheim securing another hard fought two points.
Let's just do this already!