The NHL lockout finally came to a proper end yesterday as the top teams across North America finally dropped the puck after months and months of delays. Unfortunately for Kings fans the day wasn’t exactly all it could’ve been as their team were resolutely thrashed at home, on the very same night they raised a commemorative banner to celebrate last season’s Stanley Cup success. Not exactly starting as you mean to go on, but the Kings are known for their sloppy starts and this 2013 season is no exception.

The Kings were down 4-0 by the time  the midpoint of the second period came around, thanks in part to brilliant attacking movement from Chicago and some sleepy goal tending from Jonathan Quick. The Kings favoured player between the sticks for the previous four seasons was beaten glove-side on more than one occasion, but aside from the first goal every Blackhawks effort which found net was well worked.

You can watch the highlights of this match for free, via LA Kings’ official website.

Undoubtedly Hossa was the main star of the show. His dizzying movements with the puck proved a major problem for the Kings’ defensive pairings all night. What made it more staggering was the fact that this was the first game back for the Chicago winger, after his previous season was ended so unfairly thanks to a blind-side hit by Raffi Torres.

Hossa bagged himself two goals and an assist, proving himself to be the star of the night.

The Kings did mount somewhat of a fight back towards the end of the second period, with Scuderi scoring a well-screened goal as Clifford obscuring the goalie’s view of the puck heading netward, but  it was all to be for nought thanks Blackhawks sneaking in another goal a few minutes after the home side broke through. LA got another goal, but again it was only a token gesture.

Make no mistake, this wasn’t a great performance from LA, but let’s be honest their miracle Stanley Cup run last year wasn’t due to them being particularly good starters. What is the biggest concern for Kings fans though is that leaky defence. Last season the Kings didn’t score many goals, but they let in very few. During the play-offs this was the formula which guided them to their ultimate success, but last night they were run ragged by a Blackhawks team which appeared sharper, more tactically aware and much more clinical in front of net.

Thankfully there isn’t much time for players on the losing team to think about their poor performance as the Kings travel to Colorado Avalanche this Tuesday night. Here’s hoping LA brings their ‘A’ game…

Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 LA Kings