Goodbye Kings

I just watched the Kings get eliminated from the NHL playoffs, losing a heartbreaking Game 6 in overtime. The series was lost, of course, when the Kings collapsed in Game 3, choking a 4-0 lead away on their way to a 6-5 loss. Still, while the Vancouver Canucks --speaking of choking-- will always be my favorite NHL team, I've grown to love this edition of the Kings. They have some really good young talent, a good blend of veterans and younger players and a great coach/GM combo in Terry Murray and Dean Lombardi. If they can add some depth on the 3rd and 4th lines and some muscle on defense, they could go places in the next few years. At this point, I'm just glad they've made the playoffs two years in a row.

Go Canucks on Tuesday, I hope that Game 7 is as exciting as the game tonight was.

It was nice while it lasted

I'm sitting here watching Game 4 of the Kings v. Sharks series and the Kings have given up three goals in about six minutes. It looks like the disastrous collapse from Tuesday has taken its toll and the Sharks talent superiority is starting to assert itself.

Wow, Brad Richardson just scored for the Kings, 3-1 Sharks. That's just a tease, the Sharks will win tonight and then close out the series on Saturday at the Shark Tank. The Kings had an excellent season, one in which they had 10 straight road games because Staples was being used for the NBA All-Star game and the Grammy's. They need to get some scoring help on the 3rd and 4th lines and some bulk on defense, but this is a young team overall and full of potential.

A bit shocking to see that my "other" team, the OH SHIT the Kings just scored when a defenseman for San Jose tipped the puck in to his own net. BELIEVE BABY! (and ignore what I wrote previously). Anyways, surprising to see the Canucks getting schooled by the Blackhawks 5-0, in Game 5 after cruising to a 3-0 series lead.

UPDATE: Believing is for suckers, the Kings gave up two goals in the first 3:22 of the third period, 5-2 Sharks. *sigh*

Na na na na na na na na Hey Hey Goodbye!

Yes, it's barely two minutes in to Game 1 of a best-of-seven series, but I'm already putting a fork in the Los Angeles Kings chances winning this series. Dany Heatley scores :28 in to Game 1 and already the Kings are in a hole. With their top offensive player out, it was always going to be tough, but....crap.

UPDATE: Well blow me: 2-2 after the second period. No no no no no no, it's a total tease.

UPDATE II: Dammit. I don't know what's a step down from "heartbreaking" (which would be losing a Game 7), but to give up a goal :28 in and end up losing in OT is a perfect example.

It'll be interesting to see how the Kings react on Saturday: collapse or steal one in the Shark Tank?