Los Angeles Kings raise championship banner

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

The team and their fans waited 45 years to raise a banner to the rafters. Then they waited three more months due to the NHL lockout.

After all that waiting around, even the disappointment of the blowout loss that followed Saturday's ceremony couldn't completely ruin the Kings' first championship celebration. The Kings recognized last June's Stanley Cup triumph in a joyous ceremony before their season opener, receiving their championship rings and showing off the Stanley Cup before their 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks.

The NHL lockout came to an end following a tentative contract agreement between the NHL and player's association on Jan. 6.

Although the defeat tempered the party, the Kings savored a day to enjoy their unlikely title.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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