Where We Are: Coming off of four periods of inspired play. Of course that came after many more periods of uninspired play but let's not think about those. Having won three of the last 11 games kinda shortens the memory.
Where They Are: Flying. L.A. has won eight of their last nine and six in a row - five on a road trip capped off with a wonderful come-from-behind beating of Mmmmaaaarrrrtttyyyy that had two goals in the final 1:46 turn the tables on the Devils. They are young, they are exciting and they may fly all the way up to the Olympic break ... unless the Rangers can stop them now. Who To Watch For: Ahn-Jay Kopitar is a superstar and has only been helped by the presence of (former) Captain Canada Ryan Smyth. The Slovenian - not to be confused with Slovakian - has great wheels, sick hands and hockey smarts. Sloppy Seconds Jarret Stoll and a rejuvenated Michal Handzus add depth down the middle. I heart Dustin Brown, a kid who hits everything that moves and has no issue with working in the trenches. He is like a cleaner version of Pat Verbeek or the Western version of Ryan Callahan. Alex Frolov has been under-whelming but Wayne Simmonds is developing into a good player. Oh yeah, and they have Drew Doughty, who doesn't get the credit he deserves out East. Forget sophomore slump, Doughty is flourishing into Ray Bourque.
What To Watch For: People harped on Craig Anderson's omission to the Olympic team because of the hot season he is having. Well, Jon Quick has been just as good and is still getting better. I watched Quick shut down Ovechkin and the Caps in early January and he was utterly astounding. See if he is jut as astounding against the Rangers. See if Hank is healthy enough to start or if Chad (and the rest of the Rangers) can keep their momentum going after the win in Colorado.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Kotalik trade saga come to a close. Callahan to be better than his future Olympic teammate Brown. Any Ranger defenseman keeping Smyth away from the crease. A power play goal ... by the Blueshirts.
Also Check Out: The Battle of California, Life in Hockeywood, A Queen Among Kings sold out and moved to SBN at Jewels From The Crown, Purple Crushed Velvet and Rich Hammond moved over to Kings Insider.
Peepin' Foes: Los Angeles Kings – A Close Look at the Upcoming Battle
In the ever-competitive world of professional hockey, facing different opponents is a part of life for teams in the NHL. In this edition of "Peepin' Foes," we'll take an in-depth look at the Los Angeles Kings, a formidable adversary that the New York Rangers are set to encounter in an upcoming clash. From team history to key players and strategies, we'll break down what makes the Kings a challenging opponent.
Team History and Legacy
Founded in 1967, the Los Angeles Kings are one of the NHL's original expansion teams, along with the likes of the Philadelphia Flyers and St. Louis Blues. While they didn't experience immediate success, the Kings have left their mark on the league in various ways.
Notable Achievements:
Two Stanley Cup Championships (2012 and 2014)
Multiple division titles
Hall of Fame players like Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille
The Kings' championship victories in 2012 and 2014 marked a significant turning point in the franchise's history. These wins established them as a legitimate force in the modern NHL, and they've continued to be a competitive team in the Western Conference.
Key Players
Anze Kopitar (Center)
Anze Kopitar has been the heart and soul of the Kings for over a decade. Known for his exceptional two-way play, he's a perennial Selke Trophy contender (awarded to the best defensive forward). Kopitar's ability to contribute offensively while excelling defensively makes him a formidable opponent in all situations.
Drew Doughty (Defenseman)
Drew Doughty is one of the premier defensemen in the NHL. He's known for his incredible skating, offensive prowess, and leadership on and off the ice. Doughty's ability to log heavy minutes and play in all situations makes him the backbone of the Kings' defense.
Jonathan Quick (Goaltender)
When it comes to clutch goaltending, Jonathan Quick's name is often mentioned. He has an uncanny ability to steal games with his exceptional reflexes and athleticism. Quick's performances in the playoffs have been nothing short of spectacular, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2012.
Playing Style
The Kings are known for their defensive prowess and physical play. They're a team that excels in limiting opponents' scoring opportunities and can grind out low-scoring games. This style of play has often served them well in the playoffs, where games tend to tighten up.
Key Strategies:
Strong defensive structure
Forechecking and physicality
Net-front presence on offense
Penalty kill efficiency
Recent Performance
In recent years, the Kings have faced challenges. While they remain competitive, they've missed the playoffs in several seasons. However, they've been rebuilding and have some promising young talent, including Quinton Byfield and Alex Turcotte, who could help bring the Kings back to contention in the near future.
The Upcoming Battle
When the Rangers face the Kings, fans can expect a hard-fought battle. The clash of styles, with the Rangers' speed and skill versus the Kings' physicality and defensive structure, often leads to entertaining matchups.
Key Questions:
Can the Rangers exploit the Kings' occasional defensive lapses?
Will the Kings' physicality disrupt the Rangers' offensive flow?
How will the goaltending matchup play out between the Rangers and Kings' netminders?
FAQs
1. Are there any historical rivalries between the Rangers and Kings?
While there isn't a deep-seated rivalry, the two teams have faced each other in some memorable playoff series, including the 2014 Stanley Cup Final.
2. Who are some young talents to watch on the Kings' roster?
Keep an eye on Quinton Byfield, Alex Turcotte, and Arthur Kaliyev. These prospects represent the Kings' future.
3. How have the Kings adapted their playing style in recent years?
The Kings have been transitioning to a more up-tempo game while maintaining their defensive foundation.
4. What's the recent head-to-head record between the Rangers and Kings?
The head-to-head record varies from season to season, but games between these teams are often closely contested.
As the Rangers prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings, fans can anticipate an exciting clash of styles and strategies. Whether you're a die-hard Rangers supporter or simply a hockey enthusiast, matchups like these showcase the diverse and compelling nature of the NHL. So, gear up for the game, and may the best team emerge victorious on the ice.
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