The nicest thing about being a Kings fan this time around is that it becomes a nice diversion from the horrible play the Dodgers have been giving fans so far this season. For the next several weeks (hopefully!) much of my sports fanaticism is likely to be focused on the ice.
As you may know, today is the start of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the reigning champions look to defend their crown against the St. Louis Blues tonight. Like last year, the Kings find themselves without home-ice advantage, and underdogs (if you follow the betting lines).
If you are wondering what the schedule is for the Kings, below is a rundown for the first 4 games (this was originally provided by official team blogger Jon Rosen at LA Kings Insider):
Game 1 – Tuesday, April 30 Pregame: Prime Ticket, 4:30 pm
Broadcast: Prime Ticket, CNBC, CBC, 5:00 pm
Post-Game: None
Game 2 – Thursday, May 2 Pregame: None
Broadcast: CNBC, CBC, 6:30 pm
Post-Game: FOX Sports West, 10:30 pm
Game 3 – Saturday, May 4 Pregame: FOX Sports West, 6:30 pm
Broadcast: FOX Sports West, NBC Sports Network, CBC, 7:00 pm
Post-Game: FOX Sports West, 9:30 pm
Game 4 – Monday, May 6 Pregame: FOX Sports West, 6:30 pm
Broadcast: FOX Sports West, NBC Sports Network, CBC, 7:00 pm
Post-Game: FOX Sports West, 9:30 pm
-all times Pacific
As for a little history, the Kings swept the Blues in last years playoff run, so I figure they'll be looking for some payback. The Blues are a very good team, and are arguably the one team that plays most like the Kings. It'll be like watching a carbon copy of the Kings on the ice tonight. Still, the Kings have aptly handled the Blues over the past couple of years, and I see no reason to expect anything different this time around.
Do I expect the Kings to sweep again?
No, I don't think it's reasonable to expect that. I do believe, though that the Kings will control the tempo of play and the boards. I believe the Blues will come out hitting and skating quickly just like last year, but will fail to garner much traction against a team that has learned to weather such storms. My prediction is that the Kings will take the series in 6 games.
Go Kings Go!
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BTW, just so I can say this wasn't just a Kings only post, I wanted to pass along the final prices for the three remaining Dodgers' themed hockey jersey's the team wore during a pregame skate last week. My original post on the auction is here. The Anze Kopitar jersey sold for $2,075.00. The Jonathan Quick jersey sold for $1,725.00. The Dustin Brown jersey sold for $2,325.00.
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