While it might not have the storied hockey background of other places in the country like Minnesota, Toronto, Detroit, Chicago or New York, Southern California has blossomed into a hockey loving area in its own merit.
The Kings and Ducks both hold Stanley Cup titles within the last 10 years, and both teams have run into fine bits of form here in recent years. The fanbases have never been bigger and these days it is hard to find a ticket to games. The Kings all-time sellout streak was broken back in November at 76 and has continued on as the year has progressed. Go out in public these days anywhere from LBC to the Inland Empire or up to the Valley and you will see that Kings and Ducks gear is way more prevalent. All in all California, despite the palm trees and mild weather, has become a solid market for hockey in recent years.
With that in mind the Kings and Ducks take center stage on Saturday night in what should be quite a spectacle to behold. Dodgers stadium, the home of greats like Koufax, Drysdale, Hershiser, and Valenzuela, will be the home of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Jonathan Quick at least for one evening.
With a volleyball court, a roller rink, and a full-size hockey rink right in the middle of the field, the stage is set for two teams seemingly heading in different directions lately. The Anaheim Ducks have all but secured the fact that they are one of the elite teams in the league. While many still doubt the effectiveness of the team come post-season, there is no doubt they will be a major player come May and June. Their 38-10-5 record is best in the NHL, and they are 8-2-0 in their last 10 which includes a 2-1 victory over the Kings Thursday night. Led by old stand-bys in Perry and Getzlaf, a new and younger looking Ducks core has emerged in support. With solid seasons coming from players like Hampus Lindholm and Nick Bonino, the Ducks have rounded out the roster and look effective on every line currently.
The Kings, after a white hot start that saw them near the top of the league, have been reeling since December. The team has won just 4 out of their last 15 and 7 out of their last 20 games. Offense is again a focal point as they have mustered very little offense both even strength and with the extra man.
The teams played a tightly contested match on Thursday, where a brutal 2-goal second period by the Ducks ended up being the difference between the teams. With a rematch set within a day of the 2-1 King loss, I expect it to be a nasty, hard fought game, with a little bit of edge to it from the Kings. Regardless though, the game will be something beautiful to see both as a native of Southern California and a lifelong hockey fan.
There has been some EXCELLENT coverage by the PR team with the LA Kings and I urge anyone who plans on watching the game to check out the links on the Kings website.
http://kings.nhl.com/
Also...nice pads Jonas, I think I saw him on my drive home this evening working for CalTrans
And how about this awesome image for a backdrop? Credit to CBS Sports
And if you really want a nauseating amount of aww inducing moments hit the gallery on the Kings site of the team skate with their families.
Honestly though, I'll just be happy if the Kings get the two points. I'll also be pleased if the event is a success and the Kings don't get the two points. I know, what a terrible fan I am. Two points have been a hard thing to come by lately but the winner here is going to be SoCal hockey regardless of any outcome by a team.
With a balmy forecast around the 60's predicted the game looks all set to go off without a hitch (Well that is however not counting the whole Kiss intermission thing...). If you are doing anything at 7pm tomorrow other than preparing for this game than clear your schedule and get to a TV. Also, all you East coasters....sacrifice sleep for once and stay up to watch. After all these are two of the best teams out West regardless of setting. Stay up late and watch some hockey!
Here's to a good game tomorrow!
Follow me on twitter for news and notes about the Kings and the NHL
++++I AM CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR SPONSORS! If you, or anyone you know would be interested in sponsoring our blog here at HockeyBuzz then send me a PM!+++++