Action-packed first period between Kings and Ducks

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Lots of open seats here at Staples Center, where the Kings are hosting the Ducks. Not sure what the excuse is tonight. The Dodgers aren’t playing, no Monday Night Football, no Sarah Palin debate, what’s the deal Kings fans?

Oh, by the way, the Ducks are leading, 2-1, after a fairly action-packed opening period.

Brian Sutherby scored a goal in the opening two minutes to give the Ducks a 1-0 lead. While the teams were lining up for the ensuing face-off, enforcers Raitis Ivanans of the Kings and George Parros of the Ducks dropped their gloves and went at it for a good two minutes. Ivanans dropped Parros with a couple good body shots, which you don’t see too often.

Todd Marchant scored the other first-period goal for the Ducks. So far, just about every fourth-line forward has a goal for the Ducks this season, but their biggest offensive threats, Teemu Selanne, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Brendan Morrison and Chris Kunitz are looking for their first of the season.

For the Kings, rookie Wayne Simmonds tallied his first career goal, flipping in a rebound off Sean O’Donnell’s slap shot. The Kings’ top offensive threats, Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown, are also looking for their first point this season.

On a more serious note, a moment of silence was held before the game for Alexei Cherepanov, the New York Rangers prospect who collapsed and died Monday during a game in Russia.

-- Dan Arritt