scenes from game 4

We're not going to talk about the actual hockey game today cuz I'm still pissed off at:

1. the ref for calling a penalty on Justin Williams for goalie interference in the 1st period when Mike Smith the Goon... I mean the Goalie... no I actually do mean the Goon, was actually interfering with Williams. 
2. Shane Doan, aka The Other Goon, for scoring on the power play that followed, and then scoring another goal that no one in Staples Center even saw. (Thanks a LOT for paying attention Toronto. Sheesh!) 
3. the Kings for being half asleep today. HOWEVER, as today's hockey buddy Diana pointed out, it's better they lose a game now rather than later. They are 11-2 in the Playoffs, and are still up 3-1 in this series. This is not the end of the world and may actually be a good thing... It may have been just the kick in the butts they need to remember not to believe all the hype that is surrounding them now. They still need to focus and play their game, one game at a time.

Anyhoo... due to a Bike Tour running through LA today, everyone showed up at the game early to avoid gridlock. Here are some scenes from Staples Center, before the game:

Here's the finish line of the AMGEN Tour of California Bike Tour... right next to Staples Center on Figueroa.












This was the scene on Chick Hearn Drive between Staples and LA Live. Yes, that's a Bike Valet area. 

The Great One's statue decked out in current Kings garb

  

Then the most exciting part of the day (since the game sucked) was randomly running into former LA King Tony Granato on the concourse! 

Tony was one of my fave players (along with Luuuuuc and Blakey, who were also at the game, but not randomly hanging out with the masses) back in the good old days (aka the last time the Kings made it this far in the playoffs). 

If you don't believe me, here's a photo of us back in said day (literally like 20 years ago... eek!) taken at an autograph signing in Manhattan Beach. I think we've both aged well ;)