Jun 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Anze Kopitar (11) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
The Kings’ 2013-2014 regular season schedule is out and I’m sure most Kings fans have been studying it meticulously trying to figure out what games they will be going to. Well, if you are having some trouble deciding here is Rink Royalty’s five can’t miss games. If you think there are other games that should be added to this list, or there is just a game you are looking forward to let us know in the comments below or on our Twitter and Facebook pages.
December 15, Kings @ Blackhawks
This will be the first meeting between the Kings and Blackhawks since Patrick Kane eliminated the Kings in double overtime of game 5 of the Western Conference Final. Not only will this be the first meeting between the two teams, but the two will meet in Chicago and will be playing under a brand new Stanley Cup Champions banner. If that isn’t a little extra incentive for a win that night I don’t know what is.
January 25, Ducks @ Kings (Stadium Series)
A game where the Kings and Ducks are playing one another is always entertaining. But put those two teams on a rink on the field of Dodger Stadium and this Southern California rivalry goes to an unparalleled level. All of the hockey world will have their eyes on California that night. Los Angeles being the center of pretty much all of hockey is a rare occurrence and we should all enjoy the hell out of it.
January 30, Penguins @ Kings
It has been quite some since the Penguins have played at Staples Center, as a matter of fact the last time the Penguins played in Los Angeles was November 5, 2011. When the puck drops for this game it will have been over three years since Sidney Crosby and the Penguins have played at Staples. Regardless, it always good to catch some top end talent and it is even better when they are playing in your home arena. So grab some popcorn and watch for the highlight reel plays.
March 1, Hurricanes @ Kings
This game will be the Kings’ first home game after the Olympic break. I’m pretty sure there will be several Kings representing their country at the games, so I wouldn’t be surprised if there is some kind of ceremony for those players that return home with some extra hardware. I hope Jonathan Quick and Dustin Brown come home with some extra gold in their luggage, but that just me.
April 12, Ducks @ Kings
This is the last game of the regular season for both teams. At that point of the season who knows what implications the two points that are awarded to the winner will have. Will a win be the difference between home ice advantage in the playoffs? Will a loss eliminate a team from playoff contention? Will the winner be crowned the winner of the Pacific Division? Those are all questions that could be compelling story lines come time for puck drop for this game.