Just like the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2004, the Kings will lose a ton of the positive momentum built as a result of their first Stanley Cup title in team history because of the lockout. Support for the Kings was arguably at an all-time high during the 2012 NHL playoffs, but now the lockout could keep hockey fans away from the Staples Center for a while.
The lockout, combined with the Los Angeles Lakers' exciting acquisitions of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, could lessen the interest in hockey around the city in a significant way. Just as the Kings were beginning to get some well-deserved recognition in a crowded sports city, a work stoppage is going to halt this enthusiasm.
However, from an on-ice perspective, the extra time off from the lockout will be a huge benefit for the Kings. After playing deep into June during their Stanley Cup run, the Kings players will welcome some more time to get ready for another grueling season.
Earlier this month I wrote an article on how the Kings will go through the inevitable Stanley Cup hangover and one of the reasons why was because of their physical style of play. However, the added rest gained from a lockout could allow them to play with the level of toughness and physicality that is crucial to their success and they might not be as affected as they would be during a regular 82-game season.
Extra rest isn't just going to benefit the team as a whole. Certain Kings players will also be helped by a lockout.
Starting goaltender Jonathan Quick, who was likely physically and mentally drained following the team's championship run from last spring, could benefit from the lockout because it would give him more time to recover from offseason back surgery.
Veteran forward ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
