The upper levels at the Staples Center generally suck for hockey but section 303 wasn't all that bad as I had expected. The Detroit Red Wings were in town so I was extra anxious to check out an Original Six team because they all seem to be located in the far east. The game was intense to say the least. My section was parallel with the Red Wings net for two periods. If you want to feel more part of the game, then you have to just shell out more money on tickets. That's the way it is anywhere.

I live in Northern Cal and usually stay in LA a few times a year for Lakers or Kings games. The Ritz Carlton is almost adjacent to the arena so if you stay there, you won't have to worry about parking at the Staples Center. You can just walk and have as many $10 beers as you like.