On a night that was supposed to be all about energy and atmosphere and showing the Maloofs that the Kings needed to stay in town, Monday night's crowd just never took flight.
The Kings came out in throwback Royals jerseys (an awful idea that needed to be quickly shoved aside but wasn't) and it was all downhill from there.
The arena was far from full.
The chants never took hold and fizzled out.
And Arco thunder was more like a brief streaks of lightning flickering in the distance. Sure the fans could get very loud every now and then, but it was certainly not enough. Not enough to rekindle memories of the old days. Not enough to turn back the oncoming train of change.
This was the view exactly three minutes from the national anthem. The arena filled up more, but I was shocked the fans weren't packing the place and ready to rumble early.
But you can't blame the fans. They've been churned, burned, and spit out. A dreadful economy, an awful team, and now talk of a move to Anaheim. Despite the pleading, only the very loyal diehards remain. And they are not enough.
I doubt the Maloofs were impressed. In fact, the turnout and energy may have sealed the team's departure, not that I thought there was a much of chance of them sticking around, anyway.
Here they stay?
Sorry.
Looks like there they go.
