Hockey fans can be quite passionate, especially in Canada, where many believe is the birthplace of hockey. That passion is certainly going to hit a new level on Friday night in Alberta, where the Los Angeles Kings and the Edmonton Oilers lace up for Game 3 in the playoffs.
In the first two games in Los Angeles, the Kings fans have been notably vocal with chants towards Oilers goalie Stuart Skinner. After a Kings goal, you can hear all the way up in the upper level, the voices saying...” SKINNN-NER!” “SKINNN-NER!” Even the organ plays along to get the crowd involved. The Kings scored 12 goals in the first 2 games, so Skinner really got an earful. Edmonton's backup goalie, Calvin Pickard, entered the game in the second period and his name got into the mix as well.
However, the Kings have not always had success in the playoffs on the road scoring goals and in the 10 road playoff games against Edmonton, they are averaging three goals per game. They also this season have struggled on the road with a 17-19-5 record.
Los Angeles Kings are going to need to be ready for a loud environment in Edmonton
As the games switch to Edmonton, there is no doubt that the over 18,000 Oiler fans are going to be amped up and ready to be loud and vocal. If you’ve ever watched an Oilers game, you know they have interactions with the opposing team and word usage that is probably not suitable to mention here. It's part of their home ice advantage and have been very successful so far. So what could they do or say to get under the Kings skin? I guess they can chant "KEUM-PER!" "KEUM-PER!" just for him being in goal, but what else? Is there anything that rhymes with Anze Kopitar or Adrian Kempe?
Rogers Place will definitely be rocking for this pivotal Game 3, whether they're inside the arena or standing outside at The Moss Pit yelling "We want the cup!" and "Go Oilers Go!", you can bet that on the ice there is still business at hand. Could the chants get the Oilers back in the series or will the Kings take a commanding 3-0 lead?