This Comeback Fell a Few Blocks Short

This letter is a public act of contrition. Yes, I admit it. My friends and I left Game 4 against the Red Wings early. After years of complaining about “L.A. fans,” now I am one! With 10 minutes to play in the third period, the Kings down, 3-0, and us facing a three-hour drive home, we decided to leave. After some car trouble and hearing the three-goal rally on the radio, we tried to race back for overtime only to have Eric Belanger score the winner while we were at the 9th Street exit off the 110. That is the only way it should have been. We didn’t deserve to see the winning goal.

I should have known better. I was at Game 2 of the ’88 World Series and heard all the people who left early from Game 1 getting razzed for missing Kirk Gibson’s game-winning homer.

The first time I ever left a sporting event early and I missed the Frenzy on Figueroa. The only way this could be any worse is if the Kings go on in the playoffs. Then I will have missed the turning point of their season. So go ahead Kings, make me feel even worse. Win the damn Stanley Cup!

P.S. My friends who are in the process of lying about being there for the rally are: Tom Keffury, Sean St. Denis and Brian Diehl.

PATRICK MALLON

San Luis Obispo