Kings at Blue Jackets Pre-Game Notes and Links

Rick Nash Bobblehead

Today marks the fourth and final meeting between the Kings and Blue Jackets, two teams heading in opposite directions since they met up on January 8th - Trevor Lewis' birthday.

Back then LA was mired in a horrible slump at home and stuck at 12th place in the standings. Since then, the Kings have found their groove - including a win in Columbus during their 6-1-3 February road stretch.

Here are some other key points to get you warmed up...

* There must be something about Rick Nash and the Kings visiting town. Last time it was Nash poster night. Tonight they'll be giving out Nash bobbleheads (pictured) to the fans attending the game.

* Several Kings players - including Jack Johnson and Brad Richardson - shared some thoughts on Nash in a MayorsManor article here.  Jarret Stoll said "You have to play him hard. You can't give him too much time and space. You need to be physical on him and you can't respect him too much. Obviously, you have to respect him a little bit. But, if you respect good players too much, by the end of the night they'll have three points."  Click the link to read more.

Kings vs Ducks, Of a Different Sort

For SoCal hockey fans few things are better than a Kings-Ducks game. Both franchises - and their loyal followers - know bragging rights are on the line when they meet on the ice.

This weekend features a three-game series between the Kings and Ducks...well, sort of...

These games will be played between their ECHL affiliates, the Ontario Reign and Elmira Jackals.

(Extra bonus points to you by the way if you even know were Elmira is.)

In fact, this is the first ever meeting between the two ECHL teams. For the past few seasons the Bakersfield Condors were the Ducks ECHL affiliate. However, this summer they aligned themselves with the Florida based Jackals.

Tomorrow night's contest is a very special one, as the Reign will honor the Kings by wearing purple and gold jerseys and giving away Luc Robitaille bobbleheads to the first 3,000 fans. Lucky Luc will be on hand as well to drop the first puck.

More Bobbleheads Coming

Wayne Simmonds won't be standing alone on your bookshelf.

Fresh on the heels of the recent announcement that the Kings would be giving away Wayne the Train bobbleheads at the game vs. Edmonton on February 11th comes this...

Anze Kopitar can continue his budding bro-mance with Ryan Smyth on a whole new level, each will be getting their own bobblehead! (see pictures to the left)

That's right Kings fans, there will be two more bobblehead giveaways before the season is over.

Kopi bobbles will be available at the game versus the Nashville Predators on Sunday, March 14th.

Rhyno will complete the bobble-trick with a special giveaway on Thursday, April 1st vs. Vancouver. No foolin' - #94 can be yours for free.

Just an observation here - the Kings are sending five players to the Olympics in Vancouver. None of those guys are currently scheduled to get the bobble treatment this year. Interesting.

If you don't already have tickets, click here for more information. Go to the games!

One19
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