Honestly, at the beginning of the season my expectations for the team were to win the division and at least win a round in the playoffs. There were some dark moments along the way for sure. They already had an impressive roster and were solid in goal and defensively, but the offense was MIA. Looking back, it was the hiring of Sutter and the trade for Carter that kick started everything. Even then it was no lock as they lost the last couple games of the season and dropped from division champs and the 3rd seed down to the 8th.
That series against Vancouver, I said it at the time, if the Kings can jel as a team and play to their capabilities, they have a chance. Wasn't even thinking about the cup, just thinking about making it to round 2. Well, we all know how that went.
The past two seasons I've grown a playoff beard. This season, unsure of what to expect facing the Canucks, I decided not to. I have let my chin beard grown however and it's about 2.5 inches long right now. I'll trim it up tonight.
As for partying, my buddies and I went to downtown on Wednesday night for game 4. It was fun but not as fun as it should have been. With work and logistics it would've been approx 6:30-7ish by the time I could get to downtown again, for a game that starts at 5pm. By that time I'm sure every bar and restaurant within 3-4 miles of Staples Center was already beyond capacity.
Monday night was spent watching the game with a few friends at an apartment. We had drinks and then moved on to a local dive bar after the game. I remember buying lots of Jamesons and bloody marys. Woke up sometime around 5:30am freezing. No memory of how I got back to the apt. Made my way home, called in sick to work, and passed out!
You know you're getting old when your hangovers start lasting multiple days.
