When I think of LA I tend to think of family, palm trees, and one-time New York based sports franchises owned by dudes named Magic. When it comes to sports in Tinseltown, the city is owned by the Lakers as it is the lone team to bring any glory there aside from the awkwardly named Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. However, after yesterday’s 3-1 win over the St.Lunatics Louis Blues the LA Kings are headed to the conference finals for the first time since 1993.

That’s quite the accomplishment for a team that was left for dead by fans and analysts alike and barely squeaked into the post-season. The Kings spanked the second-seeded Blues, outscored them 15-6 and looked scary good the whole way. We’re talking first trip to the Cup good. Is it time to paint the town black and silver? Probably because purple and yellow is ugly as sin. Sorry Holden.

Elsewhere, the Coyotes and Predators do battle (tonight at 1030 NBCSN) in the desert as Phoenix looks to clinch their first Conference final appearance which is kind of mind blowing given they’ve been rumored to leave town for our northern neighbors for years. Could a cup run keep them there for good? Surely it can’t hurt. Rumor has it a new owner will be announced this week. Hooray!

Here on the East coast, the Rangers entertain the Capitals (Tonight at 730 NBCSN) with the series tied at two. Earlier this week the Rangers needed three OT’s to take a 2-1 lead only to have the Caps pull the rug from underneath them. Go Caps go.

Lastly, my Devils have been pretty damn impressive against the Flyers taking a 3-1 lead last night as 40-year-old birthday boy Martin Brodeur and the gang pushed the Flyers to the brink of elimination. Philadelphia could and should be without leading scorer Claude Giroux for bonehead plays like this come game 5.

- Spartak