More blues for the Kings

Los Angeles, Ca

The Kings struggled early again vs the Canucks on Thursday night at Staples. With Dustin Brown, high stick, and Matt Greene hooking penalties early, that led to a first period deficit. With the Kings shorthanded for much of the early going, Daniel Sedin was able to score a power play goal, his third of the year, just over 5 minutes into the game. Goalie Jason LaBarbera looked pretty solid in net before that goal, withstanding an onslaught of shots on net by a crashing Vancouver offense. On the other end of the ice, it was a d

ifferent story. Canucks goalkeeper, Roberto Luongo, one of the premiere goalies in the league, looked phenomenal. Stopping a perfect 28/28 shots, Luongo helped his team cruise to a 4-0 shutout. It was his 40th career shutout and the first time a Vancouver team has shutout the Kings at home in 106 attempts, dating back to the days at the Forum. Next time he laces up will also be a milestone, his 500th regular season NHL game.

The Kings have Friday off for some trick or treating, then play host to the Calgary Flames Saturday night at 7:00pm.  The Kings look to improve their record and get out of last place in the Western Conference. Calgary sits in second place in the Northwest division with 13 points, one more loss than division leading Minnesota Wild, also 13 points. Also coming up, on Election night in America, the Kings will be holding a promotion. Fans may purchase tickets and selected merchandise at a 44% discount. That game will feature the rival Ducks of Anaheim.

Denver, Co

The Lakers decided to take off their God costumes and looked like mere mortals in Denver Saturday night. The Lakers hanging on to win an ugly contest, despite shooting just 38% from the field. The game, close from the beginning, had 38 lead changes. It helped that the Lakers dominated the boards all night. Finishing the night with 53, 15 boards came on the offensive end of the court. Kobe, being Kobe, was the games high scorer with 33 points. He came alive in the fourth quarter with 14 to help close it out. The Lakers shared the ball well, with five players scoring in double figures. They now have until Wednesday to rest, recuperate, and vote for a new President before hosting the Clippers back in Los Angeles.

Carmelo Anthony, after starting very slow, went for an NBA record 208th straight game scoring in double figures. That spans almost three full years. Denver next plays at Golden State on Wednesday.

Los Angeles, Ca

It was a happy homecoming night for the men of Troy at the Coliseum Saturday. The Trojans, apparently up to the task of covering the spread, stomped the Washington Huskies 56-0. Washington was without star quarterback Jake Locker who broke his thumb in a loss to Stanford on September 27th.  After suffering their only loss of the year to Oregon State last month, the Trojans have outscored their opponents by a margin of 180 points over 4 weeks. Next weekend they host the Bears of Cal in a big conference matchup. Both schools have lost just once in Pac-10 play. 

San Diego, Ca

The Chargers are back at home on their bye week preparing for a division matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Wednesday was newly promoted Defensive Coordinator Ron Rivera's first day at the helm. Many Chargers defensive players came out to voice their opinions on the season so far. Lead by LB Shawn Phillips and DE Luis Castillo, the message was simple. The players took

 responsibility on themselves, citing a coach doesn't go out on the field and that they need to look within first. Many Chargers players, nursing injuries, hope to benefit from the bye week. Coach Norv Turner also looks forward to playing the second half of the season, heavy with home games where the team is 17-2 over the past two seasons.