Stanley Cup 2012: Kings Players That Must Come Up Big for Series Sweep

Saying that the Los Angeles Kings have had it their way this postseason would be the understatement of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

They've reeled off an outstanding 14 wins in their playoff run while just losing two, and perhaps the most amazing part of all is that those two losses came at home. That's right—they've yet to lose on the road as they take the NHL by storm and inch closer and closer to their first Stanley Cup.

After a mediocre 2011-12 regular season in which they finished 29th in goals scored, they've notched four goals or more in seven of their playoff games—all wins. They've made it happen with a stud between the pipes and players getting it done in late-game situations.

Without big performances from these Kings players, Los Angeles could find themselves doing something uncharacteristic in Games 3 and 4—losing. 

 

Jonathan Quick

Quick was so vital to keeping the Kings afloat throughout most of a regular season that they had to make a late-season surge just to get into the playoffs with the No. 8 seed in the West. 



His goals allowed per game average of 1.44 would have him as a shoe-in for the Vezina Trophy if he were to put similar, scorchingly-low numbers up during the regular season. He's also saved almost 95 percent of his shots.

He's allowed one goal or less in 10 of the Kings' 16 playoff games, with three of those being decided in overtime.

Goalies are at more of a premium than ever in the NHL and especially in the playoffs. Quick is proving that as he is two solid performances shy of skating away with a Stanley Cup and playoff-MVP-worthy postseason.

 

Dustin Brown

Kings captain Dustin Brown will have the likes of Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter to thank if L.A. wins this series.



Despite playing arguably his best hockey ever early throughou...

About the Author