The Luc Robitaille Day!

It's tonight. Before the game against the Coyotes. The great Luc Robitaille career will find its honorary ending with a jersey retirement ceremony at Staples Center. So many memories, so much dedication, and Helen Elliot does get it right in today's LA Times great Luuuc story:

"...after the requisite three-season waiting period, he will be voted into hockey's Hall of Fame." Right away, on the first ballot. Unanimously.

There is more on his outstanding affection for LA and its fans, who stood behind him in an exceptional way, even when Luc had to leave for Detroit to get his well-deserved ring:

"Robitaille's bond with Kings fans is like no other. They revered Wayne Gretzky, but his talent was too otherworldly to relate to. They cherished Robitaille as one of their own, the kid who grew up here and became a star but never forgot them on his way up.

"He was embraced by the people of California. He was truly the people's favorite," said Gretzky, who will coach the Phoenix Coyotes against the Kings tonight. "He not only played for the Kings, he tried to sell the Kings and the sport of hockey."

Says his former coach - the memorable one in his own right: Barry Melrose:

"He loved L.A., and the fans loved him back. He was Mr. King."

In Luc's own words, his career has been even more than a dream come true:

"I was a little kid wanting to play a game," he said. "I remember coming into the Forum for the first time and looking at the ceiling and everything and thinking, 'Wow.' Now my name and number will be there for as long as" Staples Center exists.

"It's not something you set out to play for, when it happens and you see that, to me, it's an amazing accomplishment. I can take my grandkids and show them that."

Thank you, for all the great moments, Luc! And see you around as you continue to build the future of the Kings - off the ice this time round.