Twenty Spot

I encourage you, Royal Half reader, to find the NHL pre-season prediction article that has the Los Angeles Kings and Phoenix Coyotes battling it out in December in a match-up of 2 of the NHL's hottest teams. The Coyotes, who have been living out the real life story of the classic motion picture, Major League, came into this game winners of 5 straight. While the Los Angeles Kings were coming off points in 6 straight games. Go ahead, look it up... not Wyshynski, not Mirtle, even yours truly had them barely making the playoffs. What does this all mean? This is why we love professional sports. Because you can do all the research, crunch all the stats, go to all the practices... and you still have no clue that on December 11, 2009... your favorite team is 1 point out of first place.

Yeah, I'd say that was a major improvement.

Kings 3, Coyotes 2, Losing Franchises Elsewhere, A Glimmer of Hope

This was another excellent game. You didn't have to be a fan of either of these teams to enjoy the amazing goaltending and defensive play of both opponents. It's just so fun to watch Los Angeles Kings hockey right now as the team is firing on all cylinders... and doing it without Ryan Smyth. As a fan, and especially as a season ticket holder (even a Half Season Ticket Holder) the greatest reward is sticking with a team through thick and thin so that one day you see it all come together. Right now, it is all coming together for this team. I mean, I know it's only early December but check out this IM conversation between myself and Half Season Ticket Holder Buddy after the San Jose game.

I'm the little crown. There is no way Half Season Ticket Holder Buddy would cry.
He's too much of a man.

GM Dean Lombardi has molded this team in his own image, given them an identity and allowed them to excel. The only question now is who will he pick up later in the season to really push these guys over the edge. I mean, how can you not love a team that has this on their 4th line?

"Hey, Teddy... it only took me 5 games to score. Suck it."

"Act like you been there before, Oscar."

Lil' Swedish Scamp, Oscar Moller, had a great goal tonight on an even better pass from Wayne Simmonds. Over at Battle of California, RudyKelly is having a great debate about his nickname "MeatTrain" for Wayne Simmonds. While I love this nickname, I suggest a new one for the 21 year-old 3rd line winger... "Midas." Because from Alexander Frolov to Scott Parse to Oscar Moller... everything this kid touches turns to muthafuckin' gold.

Oh right, he already won gold in 2008 as a junior.

The 5-4 shootout in San Jose on Wednesday may not show it, but ever since Rob Scuderi has returned to the Kings lineup, their defense has been stellar. And last night, Coach Murray decided to dress 7 defensemen in order to give them a bit of rest throughout the game. It seemed to work.

The newest award-winning drama from AMC.... "D Men."

But the biggest news last night was the triumphant return of Kings sideline reporter Heidi Androl to the Fox Sports West HD airwaves. In all honesty, I'm really proud of their decision to not suspend Heidi because of her pending DUI arrest. When it comes to the media, people can be crucified for bad decisions, but it's nice to know that Fox Sports West HD has Androl's back. Did someone say Androl's back?!?

I promise to be good.

The Kings have done a few "Spotlight" nights on different players throughout the season and tonights one was on Kings forward and former supermodel dater, Jarret Stoll. Heidi took a tour of the new home that Stoll is building in... guess where? Manhattan Beach. Did you know that Stoll currently lives with Brad Richardson and Teddy Purcell. I bet those are some fun friday nights! I call first game on Xbox!

So, yeah I play hockey.

Oh, Jarret... you are SO funny!

Jarret took Heidi on a VIP tour of his new home showing off some of the challenges that go into building a home from scratch.

Man, Coach Murray's power play diagrams are intense.

Stoll also showed off his soon-to-be new pool. But with all that rain last night in LA, I could only think about Poltergeist.

A real Canadian would have built a backyard rink.

This was a real life construction site... people are working 24 hours a day to build Jarret Stoll's new home. I'm sure being a pro athlete and potentially having fans working at your house all the time can be difficult.

"I still can't believe we traded Visnovsky for this guy."

And then Stoll pulled a move that I'm sure he's pulled countless times before in his young life... he brought the chick upstairs.

"Yeah, I just want to show you my trophies. Right this way."

Also, throughout the night during the celebration of all things Jarret Stoll, they showed pictures of him playing hockey as a child. But I'm not sure how this current photo of Oscar Moller snuck in.


This game truly had everything... even a surprise celebrity guest at the end!

Hey guys, remember me! I'm the reason this team was doing so well!
Oh... right. See ya soon?

Check out the awesome HipChecks and Five For Howling for all things Phoenix (and eventually Quebec) related. The Kings take on the Dallas Stars Saturday night at Staples and Half Season Ticket Holder Buddy and I will be there.

Flame Retardant

The Los Angeles Kings had not beat the Calgary Flames since February 15th of 2008. For the hockey layman... 1 time in their last 11 meetings. The Kings once again did not bring their best game... but they still walked away with a victory. Having Rob Scuderi back in the lineup made a big difference on defense as Scuderi and Matt Greene did a great job of smothering the Flames and preventing any real offense from the team. And young goaltender Jon Quick hands-down had his best game of the season. He out-Kiprusoff'd Calgary goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff. Don't believe me? Then check out this save.

Kings 2, Calgary Flames 1

This night featured a couple great highlights... the kind of highlights that would be on Sportscenter...if Sportscenter still featured hockey nightly. Kings rookie Scott Parse now has 11 points in 21 games and 9 points in his last 9 games. And last night... he scored one of the prettiest goals of the Kings season.

Not sure if I'd describe Scott Parse as "lanky."

With leading scorer (and former NHL league leader) Anze Kopitar now scoreless in 13 straight games, just try to imagine where the Kings would be without Scott Parse, Wayne Simmonds and Michal Handzus. I love watching this line play every night and with Coach Murray making incredibly quick line changes last night, even Murray seemed eager to get that line out as much as possible.

It may have taken you 5 years, Scooter Parse... but welcome to the NHL.

As far as Teddy Purcell and PurcellWatch '09?


Teddy Purcell had 09:45 minutes on the ice and newly bearded Oscar Moller had 06:52. Moller still gets pushed around out there, much more than Purcell does, but his potential offensive upside seems to excite Kings fans much, much more than Purcell's can. Well at least the fans that showed up to this game.

Pleeeeenty of good seats available.

The LA Times might be worried about the lack of attendance at Kings' home games... but last night was the first game all season I felt like the arena was empty. I mean... a Monday night home game against a team from Calgary when it's close to freezing outside doesn't bring in the crowds? Bah! It sucks that more people weren't there last night because they missed the new space-aged Santa costumes on the Kings Ice Crew.

They should just go ahead and wear these year round.

And since it is the holiday season, the Team LA store was busting out some great holiday gifts for Kings fans of all ages.

It's a former King Michael Cammalleri power bracelet!
This bracelet proves that you are tall enough for rides at Disneyland.

If you watching you money this holiday season then check out this heavily discounted lovely bobblehead.

If you push the button on the base it goes:
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

There was a lot of talk last night around the arena from fans about the recent legal troubles and subsequent absence of Kings sideline reporter Heidi Androl from the game last night. Half Season Ticket Holder Buddy and I thought it strange that Rich Hammond had made no mention of the arrest. We got into a discussion of just how "free" Hammond was to report on Kings coming and goings. Well after the game, Hammond threw this into his post-game notes:

"Heidi Androl, who does on-camera work for the Kings on TV and online, did not work Monday. She was arrested early Monday morning, reportedly for suspicion of driving under the influence."

I certainly DO NOT want the Kings Insider to turn into a gossip blog. There are plenty of other blogs for that. But I do think it is important for the Kings organization to acknowledge what happened... even if they get into all the details. I didn't watch the game on Fox Sports West... but I can only assume that Heidi was not a part of the broadcast. Because she sure wasn't on the ice for her traditional post-game interview with the games' first star.

Your post-game interview with the Kings' #1 star of the game... now 150% less sexier.

Who knew that Patrick O'Neal had such a wicked bald spot?!

A nice victory against the Calgary Flames puts the Los Angeles Kings in a 3-way tie for 3rd in the Western Conference. 3 big games all in a row coming up this week... San Jose on the road Wednesday, Phoenix at home on Thursday and Dallas at home on Saturday. Those are 6 possible Pacific Division points at play. It's almost mid-December and these games mean something. It's the greatest gift a Kings fan could get.

Winning Ugly

I think I've figured out why Ryan Smyth is taking an extra 2 weeks to rehab his injury. He's pulling some serious Jedi Knight style-training for these young kids and forcing them to learn how to score without him. Honestly, after the hot start the Kings had in October and November, did you really think the Los Angeles Kings would be looking to this guy to pick up the December slack?!?

The guy on the right, not the guy on the left.

Kings 6, Ottawa 3

Wayne Simmonds is officially on fire. And Kings fans are loving it. We all fell in love with the play of Wayne Simmonds last season and talked non-stop about his potential. Well, now he is fulfilling it and he is the 2nd leading goal scorer on the Kings. How much do Kings fan love Wayne Simmonds? This much.

Come on Kings fans... you can do better than this.

I hated Brad Richardson last season. HATED. Even referred to him as the Brian Willsie of last seasons' team. But man, have I come around on the guy! Even before his recent scoring streak, this guy has impressed me with his strong play. It is obvious he knows he's been given a chance... and he's trying to make the most out of it... unlike that other guy... what's his name again?

Teddy Purcell. Former Los Angeles Kings prospect.

You don't believe this blogger when he says (over and over again) that Teddy Purcell's time in the big leagues is coming to an end? Well how about when the coach says it?!

"Of Purcell, Murray said, “Given the opportunity, he can score some goals. At least I’ve been told that.”

That's called motivation, bitches. The same type of motivation NHL referees give to their favorite players.

"Look, I know that fan club sign was lame.
But you can do this. You can score. Okay, buddy?"

And what does uber-center Michal Handzus think about his little pal's recent scoring streak?

No, actually he just thinks that the holiday packs
are a great gift this season for friends and family.

Also, the recent play of waiver wire pickup Randy Jones has been beyond stellar... some might even say Kyle Quincey-esque. Randy Jones now has the highest average points per 60 minutes of any NHL defenseman that has played 10 games. That means he's been good. Oh, and Dean Lombardi gave up no assets to get him. I know RudyKelly's been tracking how creepy Randy Jones looks physically... and I totally agree with him. But I'm starting to think that the ladies disagree.

There is something very Freudian here... but I can't quite place it.

This was a game that in no way, shape or form did the Kings deserve to win. But that is what good teams can do... they win games they aren't supposed to win. But good teams also usually can score on back to back 5 on 3's.

Generally you should score when the opposing team has
this many guys in the box and there hasn't been a fight.

So now the Kings have won 3 in a row and people are back to being excited about them as a team. Even the epic hockey publication The Hockey News is putting a King on the front cover for the first time since the Gretzky Era.

This weeks feature story...
NHL players on 11 game scoreless streaks... and the fans who love them.

Anze Kopitar did look the best he has in a few games last night. But don't tell me that Kings Fan Nation didn't gasp when they saw this.

This usually doesn't end well.

But the point is everyone is excited about the way the Kings are playing now. EVERYONE. Drew Doughty is excited.

Doughty's O-face.

Heidi Androl is excited.

The coolest part is she is wearing hockey skates.

Even Waldo is excited.

I suggest that Peter Harrold's new nickname is "Waldo."

And the entire nation of Taiwan is excited.

Wait... what?

That's right. The Kings unveiled their latest corporate sponsor last night... the Taiwanese Tourist Board! Now this is a perfect relationship. I can't tell you HOW many times Half Season Ticket Holder Buddy and I have sat up in our seats and said "when are we going to take our ladies to Taiwan?" Now... we have no excuse. You win again, Kings Marketing Department!

We will be there in person tomorrow against Andy Murray and the St. Louis Blues. And it's Luc Robitaille Bobble Head night (or day since the game is at 1pm). Because there is not better way to honor the NHL's all-time leader in scoring by a left wing and a man who netted 557 goals as a member of the Los Angeles Kings... than with a novelty toy.

Toasted Sub

It's Game One of the Subway Freeway Face-Off™ between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks... and boy this game did not disappoint. When the Kings want to show the Ducks just how much they've improved this season... what do you do? You send in Brad Richardson, Randy Jones and Scott Parse to finish the job. That's what you do. Just look at how excited Dustin Brown gets about secondary scoring.

I used to score goals too.

Kings 4, Ducks 3, Subway 1

The line of Wayne Simmonds, Michal Handzus and Scott Parse are carrying this team right now. Sure, Justin Williams had a nice goal tonight but Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Alexander Frolov have been MIA. How MIA you ask?

This MIA.

This is probably a great thing for the Kings overall. With Ryan Smyth back on the ice skating in practice, Coach Murray has simply told his star players to take a few games off and have the team work on its secondary scoring.

"Frolly, water please."
"Frolly, water please!!"
"When you are leading the team in scoring,
then I'll get you water. But until then, Frolly get me water!"

The Kings unusual policy of torturing their young prospects reared its ugly head again tonight, as Half-Jew and All-Energy Brandon Segal went missing after the first period. I have a feeling the players in Manchester are cutting the phone lines around the office for fear of getting called up to the NHL. But what was the most important thing we learned tonight about the Anaheim-Los Angeles rivalry?


People from LA are still better looking than people from Orange County.

Okay, I'll admit it. When the Subway Freeway Face-Off™ logo appeared on my HD television screen, I liked it better than I did earlier in the day.

Yes, that dude on the right is wearing a "Parros Nation" t-shirt.

But when the logo is shrunk down... it truly becomes a disaster.

Yeah, that reads really well.

It must have been Intern day at Fox Sports Prime Ticket HD because not only was the camera action on the game way zoomed out... the on-air graphics had a very.... unusual feel to them. For instance, when the announcers wanted to talk about the great amount of young stars between the two teams playing tonight, this graphic lit up my HD screen.

Oh.. it's the lesser known observatory in Los Angeles, the Young Stars Observatory.

Then, this thing appeared...

Oh... I get it... they are all stars... young stars! Very clever, Prime Ticket!

And then... the piéce de résistance... all these young stars... formed a constellation!

If they really wanted to go for it, they would have had
Wilco's "California Stars" playing in the background.

In between periods, John Ahlers and Brian Hayward talked about all the news that was going on in the NHL. And some intern got to bust out his PrintShop skills on live television.

Really? This is what their production team came up with?
Was it a last minute decision to do this segment?

And then Prime Ticket HD decided to showcase the 3 year history of the Subway Freeway Face-Off™... as if it started in the early 1990's on ESPN2...

And don't assume that Subway isn't the only fast food chain in bed with the Anaheim Ducks... their penalty kill is sponsored by one of the finest Mexican restaurants in all of Southern California!

Del Taco! The bold sponsor of the penalty kill!
How does one work on being bold during practice?

But the producers saved the most-telling on-screen graphic for last... as they outlined the playoff history of these 2 clubs...

Well, I don't think this one is all that particularly funny.
In fact, it's kind of mean.

The Kings are 10 points up on the Anaheim Ducks and I couldn't be happier. Ottawa comes into Staples Center on Thursday after being beaten up by the San Jose Sharks last night. It's going to be so great to see Dany Heatley play, since being in the Pacific Division you only really get one chance a year to see him skate. Oh... what's that?