The Kings’ next challenge is to become the first repeat champion since the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings. Los Angeles came closer to repeating than many of the recent champions in 2012-13, when it lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference finals.
This year’s Kings are well-equipped for another deep run. The team is loaded with elite talent and quality depth at every position, and many of its best players are signed long term. Darryl Sutter is a top-tier coach, and general manager Dean Lombardi has been able to surround his veteran stars with young, low-cost players such as Tyler Toffoli and Jake Muzzin — two guys already capable of performing at a high level in pressure situations.
L.A. has all of the ingredients to create a dynasty, something the salary cap was supposed to eliminate. Will the Kings take the next step toward becoming an all-time team this season?
Let’s preview the 2014-15 Los Angeles Kings.
Additions/Subtractions
Key arrivals: None
Key departures: None
Player to Watch
Muzzin is poised for a breakout season on the Kings’ blue line. The 25-year-old defenseman tallied 24 points (five goals, 19 assists) in 76 games last season, while playing strong defense against top competition and driving puck possession. His powerful shot from the point and puck-moving skills make him a key part of the team’s offense, one that relies on the blue line to provide consistent scoring.
Muzzin has the talent and experience to become a focal point of the Kings’ success this season, and playing alongside No. 1 D-man Drew Doughty should help him take the next step in his development.
Biggest Strength
The Kings have so many strengths, but their depth down the middle stands out. Anze Kopitar, Jarret Stoll, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards give L.A. four top-tier centers, all of whom have a strong two-way game, win faceoffs, drive puck possession and provide valuable scoring depth. With these players at center, it’s no surprise that the Kings finished in the top three of corsi-for percentage and faceoff percentage in 2013-14.
Carter and Toffoli also are capable of playing on the wing if needed, which gives Sutter valuable versatility and multiple players on the ice at the same time who can take faceoffs in any zone.
One of the common denominators among championship teams is size, skill and depth at center, and the Kings are a great example of this.
Most Glaring Weakness
The Kings have few weaknesses, but the power play has been a problem area over the last few years. A lack of success with the man advantage hasn’t hurt the team in the playoffs, but it has played a factor in L.A. not claiming a top-three seed over the last three years.
The Kings ranked 27th with a 15.2 power-play percentage last season, but to be fair, that rate should improve with Marian Gaborik entering his first full season with the team. L.A. has overcome its poor power-play poor performance with strong goaltending and good penalty killing, but this issue still must be addressed.
Expectations In 2014-15
The Kings, along with the Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Boston Bruins, are the four favorites to win the Stanley Cup. As long as the Kings can stay healthy — starting goaltender Jonathan Quick’s health is one storyline to watch this season — it’s hard to picture them not reaching at least the conference finals.
This team is battle tested, most of the roster has multiple championship rings and it has overcome so many challenges — most notably a 3-0 Round 1 deficit to the San Jose Sharks and winning three road Game 7s in last year’s playoffs.
NESN.com’s 2014-15 NHL team previews >>
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