TRH PRESEASON RECAP 3: SPIKE’S BIG ADVENTURE
There is nothing quite like a Kings-Ducks game at the Honda Center. Thousands of screaming Kings fans out mustering the voices of the few Ducks fans who decided not to sell their cheap tickets on StubHub for less than $10. (They should really use ScoreBig instead.) I took advantage of some poor sucker’s decision to sell his tickets and drove to the Ponda to watch what could be a terrible night of hockey. Let’s dive deep into the Pond to see if my time was worth the price of the $9.50 I spent on my ticket.
Upon parking, which was $15, I realized it was going to be a great night when my friend Tony decided this is what he was going to wear to the game.
If I had known, I would have worn the Burger King jersey, just because together they create one amazing harmony of awful.
Even then, those two wouldn’t be the oddest jersey I saw at the Honda Center Tuesday night.
Not quite.
Willsie 4eva.
Enough with some nostalgia… let’s get a little bit into the game. Matt Frattin had himself of a hell of a 1st period. Frattin scored the opening Kings’ goal by doing something only Justin Williams is allowed to attempt, make a move or two while finding some open space. After making a nice move he took to the middle of the ice and fired a low shot past Viktor Fasth. Hopefully we can see that more in the regular season before his offense is dumbed down. Frattin also drew 6 minutes in power play time in the first period. This is usually known as the Dustin Brown Diving Hat Trick. Between the power plays and the Kings awesome defense, the Ducks only took 3 shots on goal during the 1st.
While walking through the concourse I heard this gem in the first intermission.
Overheard at the pond "apparently all Kings fans have HIV". Yeah someone went with that comedy.
— Spike Coffman (@SpikeC20) September 18, 2013
If you think that’s funny, you should read Surly and Scribe.
In the 2nd, the biggest surprise of the pre-season has to be rookie Scott Sabourin. Sabourin, who looked like he was one of the very few Kings with life in the first pre-season game, scored a beautiful goal while skating down the right side. Ducks defenseman Kyle Cumiskey let Sabourin have the whole wing to himself and Sabourin’s impressive shot beat Fasth on the short side, high glove. Sabourin may not make the team out of camp, but hopefully he’s earned himself an NHL Entry Level Contract.
Just keep him away from Carcillo.
The 3rd period turned into the one thing Anaheim Ducks fans have been waiting for. John Gibson would see his first action in the preseason. Gibson only had one of the best years a young American goaltender could have, following in the footsteps of Al Montoya and Jack Campbell winning a World Junior Championship for Team USA. Gibson appeared for Team USA at the World Championships and it seemed like the future was happening right before our eyes.
Until this guy showed up.
Jeff Carter ruined Gibson’s night and the night of most Ducks fans. I’m pretty sure this is what the Pond looked like last night.
Carter tapped home a rebound after coming in on a 2-on-1 rush with Tanner Pearson. Gibson made a nice first save on Pearson but lost sight of the rebound. Just over three minutes later, Frattin led Carter on a breakaway and greatness was about to face promise… and greatness flew by promise before he even had a chance to move.
Greatness flies over everything. Especially awfulness.
Meanwhile Kings fans had a great laugh.
Anze Kopitar ended up scoring after that, but honestly everyone was still amazed with Carter, and laughing at destroying the Ducks 6-0. It was completely worth the time going to Anaheim. Look… I can even get a home town favorite!
