READING, PA – The Los Angeles Kings finally got over the hump and reached the NHL playoffs. Despite the early exit, hope springs eternal in LA-LA land these days. Southern California’s original hockey franchise is ready to prove that last season wasn’t a mirage. Last season the Kings ninth in offense and defense, 12th in face-offs, 7th on the power play and 20th on the penalty kill. Most of the team’s offense came from the left wing and center positions, three of the top five scorers were left wingers. The Kings had one 30 goal scorer (Anze Kopitar, 34), three with more than 20, and seven with over 10 goals. Needless to say the team is well balanced on offense.
On defense, Drew Doughty had a great season and showed why he will be a mainstay on the Kings blueline for years to come. The defensive core is solid and three of the team’s best prospects are coming along nicely but a trade could come down the pike for at least one of them. Overall the team has very few weaknesses but more grit to kill off penalties wouldn’t be a bad thing, which the team will get come free agency. Rumors are swirling around the Kings that they might more their pick (19th overall) but since we don’t take trades into account here at PHN we have to consider what the Kings might take at 19. Should a goaltender be moved, such as Jonathans Quick and Bernier, the Kings could go for Calvin Pickard, if not the need to shore up the right side of the ice or a centerman could be the ticket. Considering how the PHN mock draft is shaping center Nick Bjugstad or right winger Petr Straka would look good in a Kings jersey. Straka might not fall the way other Russian born players are since the played in the QMHJL last season. Both are goal scorers but the Kings see Bjugstad as they do with Brayden Schenn and the Kings don’t need another power forward. With that in mind, we expect the Kings to make the following announcement come draft day.
“With the 19th pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Los Angeles Kings select, from the Rimouski Oceanic of the Quebec Major Juniors, winger Petr Straka.”
To learn more about Petr Straka click on his name.
Contact the author at Brian.jennings@prohockeynews.com
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