Jim Barrero

TIMES STAFF WRITER The workers crowded near the plexiglass at least four or five deep at opposite corners of Staples Center, waiting for their chance to shine. That would come as soon as the King-San Jose Shark game ended. But just as the side doors were ready to swing open to begin the quest, Ziggy Palffy “ruined” the moment. By scoring an empty-net goal with one second remaining, the inevitable end had been delayed and the workers had to wait some more.