What A Grand Day For A Parade

Today the LA Kings held their victory parade and Stanley Cup Championship Rally through the streets of downtown Los Angeles and inside Staples Center, their home. 

I wasn't lucky enough to have tickets for the rally, but I suspect we'll get the insider's report on that later from Ernest over at Dodgers Blue Heaven.  

I did, however, join thousands of Kings fans to see the parade and cheer on the Stanley Cup Kings one last time in 2014. Let's check out some shots...

I joined my beautiful goddaughter, hopped on the Metro, and we were on our way.

 The train was super convenient and dropped us off right across from Staples Center.

The parade was scheduled to start at noon, we arrived 11, and there were thousands there before us.  There were even folks in the trees.

And standing on the tops of bus stops...

It was a party atmosphere and very crowded, but friendly.  Then there was this guy, with a video playing over his head, complete with soundtrack...

Finally, a buzz through the crowd, and the parade was upon us...

First up were the Kings Ice Girls, followed by the first bus carrying the Stanley Cup Champions...

From here on in, I'll let the pics do the talking and I hope I got a shot of your favorite King...

 HERE COMES THE CUP!!!

Finally, one more truck with Kings Ice Girls, because, why not?

What a great Kings party it was today.  Good night, everybody! 

It's OK, New York...You Still Have The Statue Of Liberty

As for Los Angeles, well, we'll hold onto this for awhile...

 Seriously, what a battle! What a series! But only one team could win.

Every game was hard fought - with sweat, blood and broken hockey sticks, not fists.  The series was a throwback to old-time hockey. Kudos to both teams for leaving absolutely everything on the ice. 

The Rangers have nothing to be ashamed of. They made the Kings earn every inch of ice they took.  At times Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist was absolutely impenetrable and it looked impossibe to get the puck past him.

But finally, gloriously, FANTASTICALLY...the Kings did it!

This team just won't die. They just don't give up and they won't be denied. They keep on fighting until they win.

"Do I look cockroachy now?"

The Dodgers could learn a thing or two from the winning team on the other side of downtown Los Angeles.