The Fans Stick It Out, Even if Kings’ Ending Was Somewhat Bitter

I’m bitter, disappointed and not at all satisfied.

I’ve lost weight, sleep, and a bit more of my fading sanity.

And I can’t wait to go through it again with you next year.

Thanks, Kings. It’s been a wonderful ride.

MEL POWELL

Los Angeles

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As I was watching the deserving champion Montreal Canadiens triumphantly hoist the Stanley Cup on Wednesday, it finally dawned on me who was responsible for handing the Kings their most heartbreaking defeat. No, it wasn’t Marty McSorley’s stick; rather, it was Rick Monday’s, when he hit that towering home run back in 1981 that propelled the Dodgers to the World Series and sent the Montreal Expos (like the Kings, an expansion team on the brink of their first championship) home for the winter.

MARC VILLARREAL

Anaheim Hills

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Ever since Wayne Gretzky was traded to the Kings, I’ve wondered why he was called “Great.”

Now, after four consecutive losses to the Canadiens, he says he may retire.

Great ones don’t quit.

The nickname is a misnomer.

PATRICIA MARTE

Los Angeles

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The Kings have lost? The hockey season is over? I refuse to believe it. Go, Kings, go! The Spirit of ’93 forever!

PETER KLEIN

Los Angeles

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Trying to write something negative about this year’s Kings is hard, but it must be done. Did you notice when the Canadiens had a lead what they did with it? We saw how you win a championship. If this was the Kings’ fifth trip to the finals, their performance in these playoffs would not get much applause. Yes, this year’s team showed more guts than any in the team’s past, but Montreal showed the Kings what it takes to step up to the next class.

MIKE KAPALUA

El Segundo