December 14, 2017- If one where to ask what would be more rare in recent memory-- the Kings getting shut-out 1-0 or the Kings starting out the season 2-0, you probably would not pick the later. But the fact is, the Kings last were shutout in, you guessed it, a 1-0 game. June 5, 2016, when Genterra shutout the Kings 1-0. The last time the Kings started a season 2-0, you have to go back to 2012 when the Kings scored two late goals in the third against the Riot to open the season and start with a 2-0 record.

The Kings were looking to break the curse that has seen them jump in the standings to a 2-0 record only 9 times in 53 seasons played (Fall/Winter Regular Season, Spring, and Summer Seasons). To add insult to injury, 6 of those 9 seasons were the first 9 seasons the Kings played dating back from 1998-2002. Winning the league championship 2 of the last 3 seasons, the Kings were looking to break the trend.

They would once again have to do it with their starting goaltender, who for the second game in a row is out of the line-up. In relief for the second straight game is Jose Landeros, who finished off strong in the opening game. Building off the end from the last game, Landeros and the Kings looked a lot more comfortable starting this match-up. But once again, their opponent jumped on them early, when James Seymour from the Old Dogs broke in the middle of the slot uncontested, and walked around Landeros for the 1-0 lead. A few minutes after the goal, the Kings looked to tie things up when they were on the man advantage. However a goal post and good puck movement wasn't enough to get the equalizer.

The second period the Kings tightened up defensively and began to generate scoring chances of their own. However Old Dog's goaltender Travis Herwehe was holding strong in net, and once again got help from his goal post. The same type of play continued into the third, where it appeared that the Kings tied the game up. Paul Costello's shot hit the back of the net, and the Kings celebrated for tying up the game at 1. However as the Kings skated back to center ice, the goal was not validated by either official and was not counted. It was clear that the puck hit the net and came out, but the officials were not in a position to count the goal and the Kings were robbed of the tying goal.

Next thing you know, there was only a few minutes left in the game and the Kings were still in search for their first goal of the night. Yet the Old Dogs were clinging to their 1 goal advantage with the heroics of Herwehe in net. With 2:08 remaining in the game, the Kings couldn't ask for a more perfect opportunity to tie the game than being put on the power play. The Kings once again moved the puck around, got quality shots off, and even a few rebound opportunities. However Herwehe was there for the big save, and the Kings never would never get the equalizing goal. Old Dogs would hold on to the 1-0 shutout, backed by Herwehe's 26 saves.

After the game, frustration and disappointment was evident in the Kings dressing room. "Earlier in the game, the officials were not in position to call off sides. Luckily for either team, it didn't cost them. However, neither official was even remotely close to the net when we scored the goal. It is uncalled for that they are so out of position that a clear goal was not counted. They cost us at least 1, if not 2 points tonight" commented Kings captain Mike Brewster. He added, "it's disappointing because Jose did such a great job in net tonight. He deserved a better outcome."

Yet the season is young and the Kings will let the holiday season pass and regroup in the new year. It is only the second time in their history that they were shutout 1-0, and only the 19th time they have been shutout in 706 games played.

Following the game, it was announced Mike Brewster suffered a lower body injury and would be out 2-4 weeks, being re-evaluated on January 3rd. The injury occurred in the third period in a collision with a Old Guy's forward in front of his net. Also, Ryan Cordes suffered a lower body injury on an off ice incident. Cordes is expected to fully recover by next game.