Tonight the NHL hockey season begins! The L.A. Kings get to defend their title starting against the San Jose Sharks at home tonight. It should be a great night of hockey between the 4 scheduled games. Of course most of America will be doing other things tonight since there are no baseball playoffs or NFL games tonight but here in L.A., I’m pretty certain the Staples Center will be packed in and around. Pretty cool considering most of my years of living here it’s all about the Lakers but lately things have been changing. I think it’s a good thing too. In fact it’s great for Hockey to have what typically just doesn’t seem to go together,L.A., sunshine,beaches and hockey? Personally it would be even greater if the Kings would win again. Last time it has happened was 1997/1998 Detroit Red Wings, who have won twice since then. This would give L.A. 3 in 4 years but more importantly it would ramp up the competition even more around the league. Not to mention you retain, grow and cement a REAL hockey presence in L.A. and So.Cal in general. I myself am not some big time King fan, I grew up as a Penguin fan in Pittsburgh where I essentially learned about Hockey. When the Penguins won in 1991/1992 it really stamped Hockey in Pittsburgh as a leading sport. Good thing it did too because quite honestly that city needed it when the Pirates when into a 21 Year slump!!
Beside the Kings, who is your favorite? Who is your prediction to win it all or just make it to the playoffs? I don’t know the trades that occurred, I don’t know much about most of the players out there but I appreciate the sport. So let it be an incredible or at the least very fun Hockey night!! 