Welcome back home to our boys as they returned to Staples Center for four straight home games. It felt like deja vu writing this article. A mere five days ago I had written about the Los Angeles Kings 4-1 victory over the Calgary Flames, and of course I was hoping for history to repeat itself tonight. Calgary had lost the last six games prior to tonight and were probably starving for a win. The Sutter Brother rematch was won in favor of Brent Sutter this time, with a Flames victory in a shoot out. The final score was 2-1.
1st period: The first period got off to a strong start when 3:28 minutes in, Captain Dustin Brown scored his 13th goal this season with assists from the ever humble Justin Williams and defense-man Willie Mitchell. This goal gave the Kings their only lead of the game. Later in the period, Kings’ Kyle Clifford‘s dreams came true when he got the chance to drop the gloves against the Flames’ Tim Jackman. During the last game between these two teams, Clifford wanted to fight Jackman, but only chirps and shoves were exchanged. The first period ended with me holding my breath as the Flames had a two man advantage.
Intermission: Ladies, this one’s for you. There’s been a bit of hype about the competition between Flames’ coach Brent Sutter and his brother, Kings’ coach Darryl Sutter. Well, how about their sons? Brent Sutter’s handsome son is Brandon Sutter and he is the Alternate Captain for the Carolina Hurricanes. Or how about cutie Brett Sutter? Brett is Darryl Sutter’s son and also plays for the Carolina Hurricanes.
2nd period: The second period started with the Flames’ 38 second two man advantage. It’s hard to believe half a minute can seem so long. The Kings managed to kill that 5 on 3 penalty much to the relief of myself and my friends at the start of the 2nd period. Halfway through, their penalty killing skills didn’t prove strong enough when they ended up giving up a goal at 9:15 during the Flames’ power play. The goal came from Flames’ Captain Jarome Iginla,with assists to Olli Jokinen (former King) and TJ Brodie. Jokinen leads his team in assists with 24 assists. The captains from each team have been the only ones to contribute in goal scoring so far in this game. The second period proved to be slower for the Kings and at the end of the 20 minute period, the score was tied 1-1.
3rd period: I had hoped the Kings would come out strong and score quickly in the 3rd period. I didn’t think my heart could handle any more overtimes or shoot-outs. I must grow a grey hair every time I’m left holding my breath in those five minutes of sudden death and one-on-one shots against the goalies. On a side note, one of the most exciting moments for myself in the 3rd period is when Fox Sports West showed Kevin Westgarth’s new wife in the audience. Why would that excite me you ask? This blogger used to take workout classes with her.
Overtime: Sudden death exciting? Maybe. Nerve-racking? Without a doubt. Those measly five minutes can feel like a full 20-minute period sometimes. Every pass, steal, and shot is intensified.
Shoot-out: First shot by Kings’ Justin Williams was simple, but in – phew a goal! Flames’ Oli Jokinen was next. He shoots and scores – darn it! Jack Johnson’s shot went under review and was ruled no goal because of the rebound shot. Cammalleri’s (also a former King) goal was good, leaving the final chance for a Kings win to Mike Richards. His shot didn’t make it in the net, and the Flames won their 200th game under coach Brent Sutter.
Check out the view from the other side over here on Fansided : http://flameforthought.com/