Los Angeles Kings looking to make the jump
The Los Angeles Kings surprised the hockey world last year by jumping from 14th in the Western Conference to sixth spot in 2009-10. Led by a collection of youngsters and wily veterans the Kings came out of nowhere in the much-improved Pacific Division.
The consistent growth in Los Angeles has set up for what promises to be another productive year in Hollywood. However, General Manager (GM) Dean Lombardi may still be one or two years out from really challenging in the Western Conference play-offs.
Roster changes
The Kings were a major player in the Ilya Kovalchuk saga that has plagued the hockey world this summer. Unfortunately, Los Angeles was unable to sign to the Russian sniper, and was forced to watch as most of this year’s free agents passed them by. The Kings did however lock down former Toronto Maple Leafs winger Alexei Ponikarovsky to a one-year deal.
Meanwhile, the Kings parted ways with Sean O’Donnell, Ratis Ivanans and Alexander Frolov. As well as veteran forwards Fredrik Modin, and Jeff Halpern.
All-in-all the Kings line-up looks very similar to the team that was iced in last year’s post-season.
Forward
Upfront the Kings still look thin, and are going to have to make a move for a top-six forward in they want to be competitive in the Western Conference play-offs this season.
The first line will remain the same with Anze Kopitar centring Ryan Smyth and Justin Williams. The second unit will feature Michael Handzus at the centre position flanked by the newly acquired Ponikarovsky and captain Dustin Brown. The third line will house Jarret Stoll at centre, surrounded by Wayne Simmonds and Brad Richardson. The fourth line will have relative unknowns Scott Parse, Richard Clune, and what is likely to be another tough guy from their American Hockey League farm club.
Defence
On defence the Kings once again find themselves with a mix of young superstars and veteran role players.
The first pairing will again be made up of Drew Doughty and Jack Johnson, while the second unit will feature the shut-down tandem of Rob Scuderi and Matt Greene. The third and final group will give Davis Drewiske and Peter Harold a shot at full-time roster positions.
Goalie
Even though Jonathan Quick had an impressive start to the season last year, the second half was a struggle, which has opened the door to a goaltending battle.
It is likely that Quick will fill the back-up or starting role by default, while the second spot on the roster will be fought over by youngsters Erik Ersberg and Jonathan Bernier.
Regardless of which tender makes the jump to the National Hockey League, it is expected that they will split time with Quick until a legitimate starter becomes clear.
Can the Kings challenge in the post-season
Up front, the Kings are still thin; missing out on Kovalchuk greatly affected their line-up for the 2010-11 season. Focused on acquiring the Russian star, Lombardi missed out on other adept free agents, and was forced to settle for Ponikarovsky. Unless the Kings can make a move for another forward they will not have the scoring depth to go deep in the post-season.
On defence the Kings have the best young defenseman in the game, in Doughty. Doughty is a generational talent and will be a staple on the Los Angeles defence for as long as the Kings are able to sign him at the end of next season. Nevertheless, depth is also a problem at the back-end, and it is unlikely that they will be able to go far in the play-offs without a strong blue line.
Quick was outstanding at the start of last season, and will have to return to form at the beginning of the 2010-11 season if the Kings want to improve on last year.
Expect the Kings to fall into seventh spot in the West, with another first round play-off exit.
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