The final score was 2-2, a tie between the host LA Kings and visiting Boston Bruins.
Like it or not, the shootout is now part of the NHL landscape. Thus, you can be assured of one major difference in tonight's contest between the Kings and Carolina Hurricanes - there will definitely be a winner. One team is leaving the building with two points.
For what it's worth, Rob Blake scored the first Kings goal in the new arena. However, the very first NHL goal in Staples Center was credited to forward Anson Carter of the Bruins.
How ironic is that, considering when the Kings traded for the talented right winger a few years later, he played 15 games for LA...posting ZERO goals. One simple assist was all the Kings received in return for sending Jared Aulin to Washington to acquire Carter.
You want more irony? Aulin had become Kings property as part of the deal that sent Blake to Colorado in 2001.
Trivia Time - When the Kings traded for Carter in March 2004 it was actually the second time he had been moved by an NHL team that season. Who did Washington trade to acquire Carter just two months prior? (answer at the end of this article)
Trivia Question #2 - What number did Carter wear in LA?
Other Kings memories on this date (that can possibly be repeated in another form)...
1983 - Bernie Nicholls scored four goals in a 7-2 win over Edmonton. Any current player should feel free to match his accomplishment later tonight vs. Carolina.
2003 - Roman Cechmanek shut out the Flyers 4-0. Can Bernier duplicate the feat? You're allowed to talk about it BEFORE the game, right? That doesn't jinx it too, does it?
2008 - Drew Doughty scored his first NHL goal vs. Colorado. A goal tonight obviously wouldn't be the first ever for last year's Norris Trophy finalist. However, it would be his first of the young season. So far, he's only registered one assist (against Calgary).
Borrowing from the NHL marketing department...
Kings - 'Canes tonight at 7:30pm. History will be made!
Hopefully.
The Mayor
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TRIVIA QUESTION #1 - ANSWER: On January 23, 2004 the Washington Capitals traded Jaromir Jagr to the New York Rangers for Anson Carter.
TRIVIA QUESTION #2 - ANSWER: Anson Carter wore #11 for his 15 game stint with the Kings.
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