Clifford got the fight out of the way early, as he and Zenon Konopka dropped the gloves just 2:51 into the game.  Approximately 13 minutes later, he recorded an assist on the Kings’ first goal of the game, which came via a Willie Mitchell point shot.  And just 11 minutes into the second period the Gordie Howe hat-trick was complete, as Clifford’s wrist shot beat Sens goalie Craig Anderson, giving the Kings the 2-0 lead.

They would add two more goals in the period, en route to the 4-1 victory.  But it was Clifford who got them going, as he got involved early and earned our “Stat Line of the Night” for Monday, January 23, 2012.

It wasn’t a thrilling bout, but on a night that saw few fists being thrown throughout the NHL, it was an easy choice for our “Frozen Fisticuffs Fight of the Night” for Monday, January 9, 2012.

Seeing as how both combatants were able to land several hard shots, we won’t go ahead and name a winner of this fight.  However, what we will do is award both combatants with the “Frozen Fisticuffs Fight of the Night” for Monday, December 19, 2011.

After running into the Ducks’ Brandon McMillan in the corner midway through the second period, Clifford fell face first into the boards, causing quite the scare throughout the arena.  Thankfully, the Kings’ tough guy would be alright, as he remained in the game and didn’t miss a shift.

Interestingly enough, that would be the second time Clifford’s face was put in danger during the game, as he dropped the gloves with Ducks’ enforcer Sheldon Brookbank earlier in the period.  Thankfully, Brookbank’s fists were much kinder on Clifford’s face than the Honda Center boards.

When these two teams met in the first round of the playoffs last season, Jeff Halpern, Jack Johnson and Justin Williams were each introduced to the Green Guys’ antics while serving 2-minute penalties.  This time it was Oscar Moller on the other end of the glass, as Sully and The Force put on their finest Hulk Hogan impressions.

So what you gonna do Oscar Moller when the Canucks’ Green Guys run wild on you?

Hat Tip reader Conor

With the Flames on the powerplay, Alex Tanguay delivered a perfect cross-ice pass to Iginla, who appeared to beat Quick, but somehow couldn’t get the puck past the thin air that was situated in the Kings’ goal crease.

The commentator’s initial claim was that Quick had made the save, but replays show the puck beating him cleanly through the legs.  However, as it headed straight for the net, it took an awkward bounce and detoured to the left, leaving the game scoreless.

So was this just an awkward bounce, or do we have a case of paranormal activity going on in the goal crease at the Staples Center?  I know one man who can find the answer to such a question.  Where is Ian Cashmore when you need him?

Hat Tip – [NHL YouTube]

With Brad Richards still out of the line-up due to a concussion and Loui Eriksson having an off night, Ribeiro filled in admirably, recording a goal and two assists, including a beautiful drop pass to set up Brandon Morrow for the game-winning goal in overtime.

The 4-3 victory helped Dallas move up two spots into fifth place in the West, while the single point for the Kings keeps them in eighth-place, two clear of the ninth-place Wild and one behind seventh-place Phoenix.  With teams moving up and down in the standings every night, things are only getting more interesting as we approach the final month of the regular season.  Tonight it was Dallas’ turn to make their move, thanks to the play of Ribeiro.  As a result, he earns our “Stat Line of the Night” for Monday, March 7, 2011.

Both of the following clips take place within the office of NHL Associate Counsel Daniel Ages, who oversees all of the league’s trades.  The first video is from a call between the Washington Capitals’ Assistant General Manager Don Fishman and the Florida Panthers’ Assistant GM Michael Santos, regarding the trade that sent Dennis Wideman to the Caps in exchange for Jake Hauswirth and a third-round pick in 2011.

As for the second clip, it comes during a conference call between the Los Angeles Kings’ Vice President of Hockey Operations Jeff Solomon and the Edmonton Oilers’ Assistant GM Rick Olczyk, concerning the trade that sent Dustin Penner to the Kings for Colton Teubert and two draft picks.

Just to sum things up, both teams agree on the trade before contacting Ages at the NHL offices.  Ages then confirms the deal with both teams, gets the specifics on the conditions of the trade, and sorts out any other details that need to be addressed.

Such is the mayhem of Trade Deadline Day in the NHL.

Hat Tip – [Puck Daddy]

In the end, Clifford would win this battle of the Kyles, thanks to a hard right hand to open the fight that almost ended it right then and there.  Chipchura would somehow stay on his feet and finish the fight, making it an easy choice for our “Frozen fisticuffs Fight of the Night” for Wednesday, February 23, 2011.

Both enforcers landed an assortment of blows, from jabs, to uppercuts, to overhand rights, plenty of which connected.  Despite taking a couple on the chin, both combatants stood their ground and continued to deliver a few shots of their own.  That was easily enough to get the crowd on their feet and earn honors as our “Frozen Fisticuffs Fight of the Night” for Sunday, February 13, 2011.