Los Angeles Kings (17-19-6, 40 pts): No one expected the Kings to be too competitive this season, and they haven’t turned anyone’s heads thus far. The Kings made it clear that they were in this for the long haul, and a long season is exactly what they’ve been going through right now. However, the future looks bright with young stars like Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson leading the way.
Offensively, the Kings have been led by rising star Anze Kopitar, who would be a household name by now, if he played in a hockey market. Los Angeles has a number of other gifted young players like Dustin Brown, Patrick O’Sullivan and Alexander Frolov, and if they stick with this build-from-the-ground-up mentality, the Kings should have the makings of a solid franchise in years to come. Unfortunately for this season, the Kings have struggled to put the puck in the net, averaging only 2.42 goals a game.
The loss of Jack Johnson after only 2 games definitely put the hurt on the Kings’ defensive corps, but one positive that can be taken away from the situation is the fact that Doughty is learning early what it means to be a team leader and major contributor. Doughty currently leads all NHL rookies, as well as his own team in ice time, averaging 23:20 a game. Doughty, helped by veterans like Sean O’Donnell, has led the Kings to becoming one of the top ten defensive teams in the league. In net, there has been a rotating door of failures with Jason LaBarbera making the first exit to Vancouver. Erik Ersberg has been passable, posting a 2.48 GAA and 8 wins in 20 starts, but with the Kings’ struggling to put the puck in the net, his best efforts will often go to waste.
Current League Rankings:
Goals - 27th Goals Against - 10th Powerplay Goals - T-15th Powerplay Percentage - 15th Shorthanded Goals - T-21st Penalty kill percentage - 15th
