Season Preview: The Pacific Division

Los Angeles Kings
Last Season: 27-16-5 (5th in Western Conference – 2nd in Pacific Division – Lost in Conference Finals)

Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

The Kings are one of those teams, who can start of very slowly, yet come back when the season gets tough, and surprise many people. Much like they did in 2012, when they won the Stanley Cup as the 8th seed in the west, they can come at you like a pack of wolves, give hard two way play, and can chip in a few goals when it matters the most. Most analyist call this team the New York Rangers of the West, can block shots, can play solid defensively, and have a world class goaltender as well in Jonathan Quick.

Yet, with the way the division is now a little bit more stacked, their could be some issue with the Kings actually making it out of the division alive. 1-0, 2-1 games may not be enough for the team, yet coach Daryl Sutter, knows how to get the team where he needs them at any given time. Is there a reason to worry in LA yet? No.

Player to Watch: Jonathan Quick
We all knew he was going to be a starter in the NHL. Yet, he had a goalie wanting to take his job, or at least share the starting job with him in Jonathan Bernier. He also has a lot to prove, as he is in contention for the US Olympic Hockey Team, and better yet. The starting position. All eyes will be on him, as he has a lot to prove if he wants to take a hole country under his wing.

Projected Lines
Dustin Brown – Anze Kopitar – Justin Williams
Mike Richards – Jeff Carter – Jarret Stoll
Trevor Lewis – Colin Fraser – Dwight King
Daniel Carcillo – Jordan Nolan – Matt Frattin

Robyn Regehr – Drew Doughty
Alec Martinez – Willie Mitchell
Slava Voynov – Jeff Schultz

Jonathan Quick – Ben Scrivens

Games vs. Rangers
Monday Oct. 7 @ Los Angeles
Sunday Nov. 17 @ New York