Internet Hotstove is a series where Last Word On Sports asks the opinions of respected bloggers from around the internet about their team’s chances in the 2013-14 NHL Playoffs. The goal is to get a broad view of opinion from around the league as an alternative to other playoff previews.
The Los Angeles Kings may be two years removed from having won the Stanley Cup, but they are certainly not two years removed in terms of the talent it takes to repeat that performance. The Kings had a somewhat underwhelming regular season, albeit it against the backdrop of an incredibly solid Western Conference. But that was the case in 2011-12 as well when they finished 8th in the West before claiming the Stanley Cup. Not a lot of people are talking about the Kings going into the 2013-14 Stanley Cup playoffs, but they would be remiss to dismiss them.
Meet the Blogger:
Gann Matsuda- Founder of FrozenRoyalty.Net @FrozenRoyalty
1. Who is the Kings biggest Playoff x-factor?
Strangely enough, I would look at Dustin Brown, even though he is their captain, and many consider him to be one of their top six forwards. The problem is that he is coming off a very poor regular season where not only his offensive numbers have taken a nose dive, but his all-around contributions weren’t there, either.
In the last few games of the regular season, Brown provided glimpses of the player we’re used to seeing here in Los Angeles. If he can return to form, or even come close, it would give the Kings a huge lift in the playoffs.
2. What does Marian Gaborik bring to the team that they did not have last year?
Gaborik has added considerably more to the Kings than anyone expected, given that virtually everyone thought he was primarily a goal scorer with a ton of speed. But if you look at his numbers, he has actually had a greater impact on the Kings as a playmaker, and has been very solid defensively. He has fit into the Kings’ system perfectly, sort of like your favorite sweater, or something like that.
Playing on a line with Anze Kopitar and Justin Williams, Gaborik’s speed and playmaking ability has encouraged Kopitar to look to shoot more, instead of passing just about every time. Kopitar is now much more of a threat to score, not just pass, which has made him a more effective player in the attacking zone. Teams are no longer able to sit on passing lanes when Kopitar has the puck, making him a far more dangerous threat as the Kings enter the post-season.
3. The last couple of games of the season were meaningless for the Kings because they could not move up or down in the standings. Do you think this will affect them going into the playoffs?
Not at all. Aside from a few younger players with little NHL playoff experience, the rest of the team consists of seasoned playoff veterans, most having won the Stanley Cup in 2012. Starting the playoffs on the road is now old hat for them, as well.
4. What factors set the Kings apart in a highly talented Western Conference?
When you look at the Kings, you have to start in goal with Jonathan Quick, who is, arguably, the best goaltender in the National Hockey League. If he is on top of his game, he gives his team more than just a chance to win, every night. It’s almost like a poker player starting every hand with two Aces.
The Kings also have the best overall center in the Western Conference, not to mention the top two-way center in the game, in Anze Kopitar, who, as stated earlier, is more dangerous offensively now, with Gaborik on his line. Add to that the play of defenseman Drew Doughty, who is once again in the conversation for the Norris Trophy this season, along with the fact that the Kings are the best puck possession team in the league, and you end up with an easy formula: if they are all on their game, and playing their system, the Kings should find themselves as the last team standing in the Western Conference.
5. How far do you see the Kings going in the 2013-14 Stanley Cup Playoffs?
The Kings are a team that is built for the playoffs. They have the best goaltender in the league, the best two-way center, one who can shut down any of the best forwards in the league. They also have an emerging superstar on defense who is at the top of his game right now, and they are the best puck possession team in the NHL. If they are firing on all cylinders, and continue to do so throughout the post-season, they can hoist hockey’s Holy Grail once again this June.
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