Off-Ice Roundup as Kings practice in Edmonton

Tough one last night, Insiders.

In their own words, one of the worst games the Kings have played this season, no dancing around that point. 6-5 was the final scoreline, and the Kings had a Grade-A chance with 22 seconds left to force overtime, but a comeback in the third glossed over the first 40 minutes, with Phil Danault rightfully critical of the way the Kings started the game. Todd McLellan used the word “shoddy” perhaps in recognition of a live, televised interview. It certainly wasn’t the type of performance the group envisioned coming off of a 4-0-0 homestand, as several areas of the game that were excelled upon in those four victories were far less effective in Calgary. As the Kings prepare to face high-event Edmonton tomorrow evening, they’ll have to play more like the team that minimized odd-man opportunities against, otherwise we might in store for an 11-10 game at Rogers Place. Or maybe that would be fun? Nah. With the progress shown of late to bounce back from games like this, we’ll put some faith in the fact that they will do exactly that, with there sure to be a couple of focal points to clean up during today’s practice.

We’ll cover a few storylines after today’s skate, with the Kings just hitting the ice here in Edmonton to begin their first practice of the season on the road. Pretty ridiculous isn’t it? This will be road game number 10 coming up tomorrow evening and we’re just seeing the team practice away from El Segundo for the first time all season.

It feels kinda weird to be back here in Edmonton for the first time since Game 7. The last memory here at Rogers Place was a dejected walk out of the building through partying Oilers fans celebrating their advancement to Round 2. The next day I got COVID. Here’s to avoiding both of those fates tomorrow evening and Thursday afternoon. Today, we’ll regather here in Edmonton for a practice day in advance of a national broadcast tomorrow against the Oilers, where we’ll get a glimpse of their Reverse Retro sweaters.

Reverse Retros, you say?

It just so happens that the Kings version, worn in game action for the first time in Saturday’s win over Detroit, is on-sale as of this morning through the Team LA Store.

For the next five days, the jerseys are available exclusively through the Team LA Store, with jerseys available through this link. After that time, you can find the jersey where you would regularly find your LA Kings jerseys. This feels like the LA Kings jersey I might want to frame and hang up in my house one day.

Along the Reverse Retro line is an upcoming giveaway with an Adrian Kempe bobblehead, wearing the Reverse Retro jersey. Coming to Crypto.com Arena on Saturday, December 17.

If interested, myself, Jesse Cohen and Matt McElroy of the AHL’s Ontario Reign ran a draft of the Reverse Retros around the league, with the Kings excluded. I won the Twitter poll handily – NBD – see what you think for yourself below.

LA Kings Holiday Ice
The Kings also announced today that the annual Holiday Ice program will return to L.A. Live beginning on Saturday, November 26, running through Sunday, January 8, 2023. The organization will hold a “grand opening” ceremony prior to the Kings taking on the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday, November 29 at 4:45 PM.

As always, the event is run in partnership with ASEC – American Sports Entertainment Company – which operates Toyota Sports Performance Center, as well as several LA Kings owned rinks around Southern California.

Also included in the announcement is the “Supper & Skate” program at L.A. LIVE. Several restaurants located around the rink will participate in the program, offering discounts to those who show their ticket from Holiday Ice. Participating restaurants include Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Katsuya, and Lucky Strike.

Insider skate off upcoming?

The full release is below –

The LA Kings and L.A. LIVE today announced that on Saturday, November 26, the city’s largest and most popular outdoor ice rink will return to L.A. LIVE’s Xbox Plaza in downtown Los Angeles just in time for the holiday season.

LA KINGS HOLIDAY ICE is proudly presented by Coca-Cola® and supported by Delta Air Lines, Blue Shield of California, CalHOPE, Knott’s Berry Farm, Mammoth Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Los Angeles Department of Water & Power. Delta SkyMiles® Members receive a $3 discount plus access to the Delta SkyMiles Priority entrance at select times throughout the holiday season.

LA Kings Holiday Ice will hold a special Grand Opening ribbon-cutting event which will be available to the media. The event will take place on Tuesday, November 29, beginning at 4:45 p.m. (prior to that night’s Kings-Seattle Kraken game at Crypto.com Arena) and last approximately 15 minutes.

Located at L.A. LIVE’s Xbox Plaza (800 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles 90015), LA Kings Holiday Ice presented by Coca-Cola® will be open daily through January 8, 2023.

The popular Supper & Skate at L.A. LIVE will also return offering special deals at select restaurants for skaters coming to the LA Kings Holiday Ice rink. Before or after their on-ice sessions, fans may present their skate session tickets at participating L.A. LIVE restaurants and attractions to redeem special dining offers. Participating restaurants include Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Katsuya, and Lucky Strike.

For the 12th year, American Sports Entertainment Company will build and operate the rink.

Thank you for consuming this off-ice content, I do appreciate it here on this fine Tuesday morning, understanding there is still some frustration around last night’s game. Park and ride and we go again tomorrow.

Practice report to follow for sure and perhaps a feature story later on in the day, depending on timing. Working on a couple of player/storyline focused features here over the next week or so and we’ll see how the day shakes out. If not today, should have something new for Thursday!

Thank you for reading as always!