Dancing in the Reign: Kings end skid; Simmonds joins Howe in NHL terminology; Fight-night shutout

For the first time ever, I left a Kings game before the final horn. Thankfully, all I missed was a hoard of penalty minutes racked up in the final 10 minutes. Although, the intermissions on the Staples Center balcony made up for it. It’s not pretty when a Ducks fan hipchecks a table full of $10 beers belonging to Kings fans, but entertaining to say the least. Let’s just say Staples security does a little “home cooking” with the ejections. Nice to see.

As for the game itself, pretty solid. Los Angeles ended a difficult 3-game losing skid. Goals were provided by four different players including Dustin Brown who recorded his 100th in the NHL, and as an LA King. The Kings played pretty well overall. Even though they posted a donut in six power-play opportunities, a little consistency was finally developed in their offensive zone. Great defensive showing as well, as they absolutely shut-down Anaheim inside their own blue line, which helped Jonathan Quick earn his first shutout of the season.

The Gordie Howe Wayne Simmonds Hat-Trick.

1. Put the puck on net. Drop the gloves, Feed Ryan Getzlaf right fists.

2. Get awarded for a goal on that puck you put on net while wiping Getzlaf’s weakness off your knuckles. IN THE LOCKER ROOM! (That’s how fly it has to be)

3. Win fans a free McFlurry! Gahh!!

The Kings welcome the Boston Bruins to Staples Center for a Saturday matinee. The Bruins are ending a 3 game California road-trip with a loss to Anaheim and a shootout victory against San Jose. I expect Terry Murray to stick with the same lines we saw tonight. Good puck movement, good communication, and Simmonds looks like he can earn a permanent 1st line spot as he clearly took advantage of his second opportunity skating with Smyth and Kopitar. With tonight’s win, Los Angeles still holds the 8th spot in the Western conference with Detroit creeping 1 point behind.