After ending the season with a 3-2-3 record, the Kings have six wins and only one loss in their first seven playoff games.
The Kings came in as the eighth seed in the Western Conference and faced the NHL’s best team in the Vancouver Canucks. The Kings outplayed the Canucks, winning the series 4-1.
The Kings' dominance has continued in the second round against the St. Louis Blues, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference.
It was supposed to be a matchup featuring low scoring and solid defensive play, yet the Kings have won the first two games in St. Louis by a combined score of 8-3.
Some of the factors that make the Kings successful and favourites to win the Cup include the following.
Coaching
Darryl Sutter has brought out the best in the Kings' players. His aggressive, no-nonsense coaching style has the Kings buying into a tight checking, defensive system.
The Kings struggled to score at times in the regular season, but that began to change in March and currently the Kings sit fourth in playoff scoring with 20 goals.
Penalty Kill
Led by Jonathan Quick, the Kings' penalty kill has been strong, consistent and, at times, lethal. The Kings have allowed only three power play goals and scored four short-handed, killing off 90.9 percent of penalties in the process.
Goaltending
Jonathan Quick is playing as good, if not better, than other goaltending stars such as Henrik Lundqvist or Mike Smith. Quick has posted a 1.56 goals against average, a .952 save percentage and a shutout in the playoffs.
Quick, a Vezina Trophy nominee has the talent and durability to lead his team to a Stanley Cup and perhaps win ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
