After the fast start the Kings hit a skid that included some injuries to key players (Ponikarovsky and Mitchell) as well as some inconsistent play from other players. They went from contenders to possible pretenders in many professional’s eyes.
Along the way they have had winning streaks of up to six games coupled with losing streaks of up five games. Fans on message boards have both criticized and praised the coaches, players and coaching staff. There have been calls for system changes, trades, benches, firings etc.
The Kings seemed to have weathered the storm and are back on track. In the last six games they have won five and tied the other. Goals aren’t coming in bunches, but goals are not being scored on them in bunches either.
The pair of goaltenders the Kings has placed their faith in (Quick and Bernier) have shaken off any bad mojo they’ve had and really stepped up. Neither is letting in a lot of goals and both have been up to the task when asked to stop the puck in shootouts (The Kings have only lost one game so far that went to shootout, vs. the Wild).
The young superstars on the back line (Doughty and Johnson) are really starting to shine. Last year the world saw Drew Doughty up close and personal because of the way he played for Canada in the Olympics. He was also nominated for the Norris Trophy. Jack Johnson was overshadowed by Doughty a bit last year, but it seemed to provide motivation for this year. He’s ha...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
