Kings, Avalanche to play exhibition game at MGM Grand

Adam Candee

Friday, Oct. 4, 2002 | 10:22 a.m.

Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it is not. However, Saturday night's NHL preseason game at the MGM Grand Garden Arena between the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche still offers the chance to see most of the veteran stars for both squads in their final regular-season tuneup.

To catch the game, however, fans may need to act quickly -- just about 200 tickets remained for the 7:30 p.m. start as of Thursday evening. Now in its sixth year, the NHL exhibition is a traditionally well-attended event.

"We're basically close to a sellout," said Scott Ghertner of the MGM Grand.

"The last few years have been awesome. It's great to see the fans of Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Denver come out."

Capacity at the Grand Garden Arena is about 12,000, and ticket prices are $30 and $20 for "Frozen Fury 6."

The Kings and Avalanche have played two thrilling seven-game playoff series in the past two Stanley Cup playoffs, with Colorado prevailing in the deciding game both times. Both series featured Los Angeles making a remarkable comeback, only to have Colorado hold on in the end.

With the season opener just days away, the teams are planning to give big-time players like Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Jason Allison, and Adam Deadmarsh significant ice time.

"Because it's the last game of the (preseason) and because it's a Kings home game, you can expect to see them open the roster for the veterans," said Jeff Moeller, Kings media relations manager.

Moeller said there is some obvious appeal for the Kings to hold an exhibition game in Las Vegas.

"It's a pretty good place for our season ticket holders to go and see a little hockey and have a good time," Moeller said.