The NHL in Europe experiment ended yesterday with the Anaheim Ducks rebounding to take a 4-1 win (the identical score that the Kings defeated them by the previous evening) over the Los Angeles Kings and send both teams home with a split.

Corey Perry had a solid night scoring two goals for the Ducks, while teammate Andy McDonald assisted on a pair (including Perry’s first power play score). Kings forward Mike Cammalleri scored his third goal in 2 games for the Kings late in the third but it was too little too late.

Both teams seem to find their discipline and cut down on the specialty teams play in this match after a penalty filled affair on Saturday night.

The spotlight of the evening was when Ducks heavyweight and Playoff Beard.com favorite George Parros dropped the gloves to do a little man dance with Kings tough guy Scott Thornton. The European crowd responded with a standing ovation.

Overall I think the introduction of the NHL to European market was well done. From what the commentators were saying, there was little to no marketing (something the NHL still hasn’t mastered) for the event, and both nights were sold out. For us in the United States it was a shame the first game wasn’t televised (Stache said the game was bumped in favor of college football….. which much to my agreement, is as exciting as watching fishing), actually it was a travesty. Opening night in the NHL, and we can’t watch. Problem. For the players, the games appear to have been well received. While initially not thrilled with the aspect of the extra travel, the event and city seemed to have changed their minds on considerably.

For me, I’m just glad hockey is back.

Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh