For the Los Angeles Kings, the 2014-15 NHL season was something best left to the history books, at least those never to have their spines crackled by opening.
A quick review is necessary though. The Kings missed the playoffs as they found themselves chasing far too many clubs down the stretch to make a push. The Calgary Flames and their younger, hungrier team made the playoffs and acquitted themselves well despite falling aside early.
Anze Kopitar – file photo by Jack Lima
Off-ice issues plagued the club as well including the suspension of Slava Voynov following domestic violence charges; whatever one thinks of the incident, the Kings acted quickly and decisively in putting distance between franchise and player.
Voynov has since opted to leave the Kings and head to Russia and the KHL. A four-year contractual agreement remains in place and the Kings have not yet made announcements on that agreement and the associated cap hit.
Then there was the arrest of Jarret Stoll on cocaine possession in Las Vegas and the arrest of Mike Richards and his “demotion” to the AHL Manchester Monarchs during the season. Richards has filed a grievance with the NHL Players Association and it remains an active file.
With the loss of name players, the Kings might be considered a long-shot at the post season but they are still a loaded roster and the addition of Milan Lucic from Boston is a measure of nastiness the team may need to re-exert their dominance on the Pacific Division and the Western Conference.
Aside from the Arizona Coyotes who are still in rebuilding mode, every club in the West has gotten better and the Pacific will be a true dogfight with the Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks looking to keep the door shut and nailed tight on the Kings.
Along with Richards and Stoll, the Kings also lost Justin Williams who seemingly almost single-handedly won the two Stanley Cups on the Kings’ resume.
The preseason has seen Lucic lined with Anze Kopitar and Marian Gaborik with their head coach pleased with the results.
Jake Muzzin and Marian Gaborik – file photo by Jack Lima
“We think it’s a good fit and [will] let it play out,” Kings coach Darryl Sutter said. “That’s why we’re scrimmaging early in camp, and that’s why guys are going to play a lot of exhibition games.”
At forward, the Kings can rely on a wide range of talent including Tanner Pearson, Jeff Carter, Tyler Toffoli, Dustin Brown, and Trevor Lewis; Nick Shore, and Andy Andreoff round out the bottom half of the forward lines and remain works in progress. Dwight King, Jordan Nolan and Kyle Clifford have also been around for two Cups and counted on in all situations by Sutter.
Drew Doughty will continue to lead the offense and be supported by newcomer Christian Ehrhoff, Jake Muzzin, Alec Martinez, and Matt Greene.
Reliable and steady, Jonathan Quick is still in net and that should be enough for a Kings’ post season berth. Jhonas Enroth is now Quick’s back-up and may see more action if Sutter opts to give Quick a break on occasion; Quick played in 72 games last season but the absence from the postseason should have given him a bit more rest.
Jonathan Quick – file photo by Jack Lima
One season off from the playoffs is not sufficient to write an obituary for a club and we are unwilling to do that with the Kings. Another slow start to the season may bring the doubters back out but as the Chicago Blackhawks have proved time and again it is unnecessary to win division or conference titles; just get into the party and make your case there.
We don’t see Los Angeles taking the Pacific title but we do see them making a strong push midway through the season as legal issues are resolved and the newcomers begin to fit with the long-time Kings players.
Our prediction for the Kings is a comfortable three-spot in the division and enough points to get into the playoffs.
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