Teams need big performances from big-name players to get there. To win, however, teams need all of the little things to go their way as well—even and especially performances from little-known players.
With a 2-0 series lead over the New Jersey Devils, the Los Angeles Kings are well on their way to winning their first Stanley Cup in franchise history. Here are two potential unsung heroes that can help LA win two more games and hoist hockey's holy grail.
Brad Richardson, LW
Brad Richardson's role and playing time has been less than consistent during his four years in Los Angeles. He was a healthy scratch in 14 games during a 19-game stretch earlier this season.
He said he is willing to do whatever it takes to stay in the Kings' Stanley Cup lineup. Most championship heroes don't have to worry about that.
Richardson missed the first two games of the opening-round series against the Vancouver Canucks following an emergency appendectomy. He came back to score the tying goal in the third period of Game 5. The Kings went on to win in overtime, clinching a trip to Round 2.
It was a nice moment in the spotlight for a player that makes most of his contributions unnoticed on the team's fourth line.
“He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s not afraid to go into dirty areas,” said fourth-line center Colin Fraser, according to an article by ESPN's Dan Arritt. “He’s not the guy putting guys into the third row, but he’s physical in the fact that he’s not afraid to be first on the puck.”
Richardson combines his top-line speed with his physicality, allowing him to arrive first on forecheck. There he can gain possession of the puck or disrupt the opponent’s clearing attempts.
Today's media glorifies game-winning goals. Richardson ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Kings
