Weekend season (and home) opener for LA

(photo courtesy of www.gettyimages.com)

Game 1: Los Angeles Kings @ Anaheim Ducks 3:4

LA goals from: Anze Kopitar (2), Lubo Visnovsky
ANA goals from: Perry, McDonald, Getzlaf, Kunitz

The pros: Huge first NHL game from Kopitar with a highlight reel first goal when he took on Chris Pronger and beat him to the puck. High level of energy and commitment for the new regime. A lot of line juggling by coach Marc Crawford to best address opponent strategies. Lots of shots on goal, which will be preached by coaches. Very good outing from Sean Avery.

The cons: Shaky defensive play of Rob Blake. Invisible Scott Thornton. Inability to shut down the opposing team. Several "stupid" penalties.


Game 2: Los Angeles Kings vs St. Louis Blues 4:1

LA goals from: Lubo Visnovsky, Alex Frolov, Mike Cammalleri, Brent Sopel.
STL goal from: Rucinsky

The pros: Another winning home opener with a sellout crowd. Control of the game (if not dominance) especially in the first and third period. Unselfish play from Anze Kopitar. Great goaltending performance from Mathieu Garon. Very good chemistry between Frolov and Kopitar.

The cons: Powerplay 1-for-10, very inefficient for the second game in a row. Dustin Brown nowhere to be found.