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Sometimes talent is discovered through the misfortune of others.

Injuries to Matt Greene and Willie Mitchell opened the door for Jake Muzzin to make a return to the NHL in a Kings uniform.

And also through the decisions of others, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins, who drafted Muzzin 141st overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and let him walk.

*NEW KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an LA King

This is the Woodstock, Ontario native’s second stint in the NHL, and it looks to be a permanent one.

Much like the Kings’ 5-2 loss to the Phoenix Coyotes in Glendale, Arizona Tuesday evening at Jobing.com Arena, Jake Muzzin faltered, albeit in a season that has brought many positive accomplishments to both the Kings and Muzzin’s ferocious rookie NHL season.

The kid doubled his penalty-minute total in a single evening on Arizona ice, racking up six minutes in the penalty box, matching his total in his previous 21 games played in a Kings uniform this season.

The Kings’ unfortunate health with their blue-line corps can’t afford such an absence during a game, especially with Jake Muzzin, who has blossomed into an everyday dependable asset in the Kings’ defensive scheme.

If six minutes in the penalty box Tuesday night is the most glaring rookie mistake Muzzin has made this season; because, quite frankly, it is, then the kid has to have some upside.

If you’ve watched the Kings’ new defensive young-blood this season, you’ll be able to tell he’s playing right up to par with Vyacheslav Voynov and Drew Doughty. Muzzin, who’s been Doughty’s defensive partner as of late, has taken offensive control of their pairing, which almost single-handedly justifies Doughty’s low point-total this season.

You want to talk numbers? Muzzin’s stat-line is rising on the consistent.

Drew Doughty has been in position this season. And I think he’s been wonderful. With Jake Muzzin on his side, he’s backed off to play a more conservative game.

Send it away now.

Post Service

Can you hear it?

Seeing

Red

Looking right. It’s looking Right.

On Both Ends: After Matt Greene went down with an injury in the Kings’ season opener against the Chicago Blackhawks, Jake Muzzin got the call for promotion from the AHL‘s Manchester Monarchs.

During the NHL lockout, Muzzin played in 29 games for the Monarchs, potting two goals and handing over nine assists for 11 points.

In seven-less games at the NHL-level this season (22) with the Kings, Muzzin has matched his AHL point-mark, racking up five goals and six assists in a Los Angeles uniform. If that’s not a successful transition for a young player, it’s impossible to say what is.

He’s second among Kings defensemen in points, only behind Vyacheslav Voynov and his 18.

It’s all been positive, because he’s tied for the best plus-minus rating on the entire roster, currently at a +11 mark, toe to toe with Justin Williams.

And it’s been on net; Muzzin has 35 shots in 22 contests, ninth-best on the roster and third among Kings’ defensemen. He’s got a great shot coming off his left-handed stick. It’s accurate, it’s a quick-release, and it’s rarely forced. It creates opportunity, and as the numbers show, success.

You know what they say about putting the puck on net.

The kid has shown us he can hit the post from the point. Hit the post and coast, baby.

Iron Man

Don’t doubt Doughty

Muzzin’s Effect: There’s been a healthy amount of gripe towards Drew Doughty and his offensive output this season. Most of it centers on his goal-total this season, which stands at zero through 25 games. However, Doughty’s racked up 10 assists.

With the bad comes the good. Doughty has seen a sharp decline in his scoring, but he’s shown a much more conservative stay-at-home game. This may not be his most favorable style, but it’s the one he’s playing now.

Without a doubt, this is a better Drew Doughty than we saw early in the 2011-2012 campaign, when Doughty often forced his offensive game after signing his major contract extension, which would find him out of position defensively at an alarming rate.

Drew Doughty will score, it’s a non-issue. Right now, he’s playing a much more mature role. If it means less highlight shows and appearances on the stat-sheet, then so be it.

The Kings are doing just fine. And Drew Doughty has zero goals.

Meanwhile, his rookie line-mate is on a tear.

You’re a bit greedy if you want anything more.

Assist me with this?

What a golden feed that was. Muzzin’s crisp and Stolly snips.

Snacking at MacDonald’s

Shark sighting

San Jose: The Kings will be at HP Pavilion for the first time since the final game of last year’s regular season, in which the Kings lost to the San Jose Sharks for the second consecutive contest. Those two losses to the Sharks only paved fate’s way – forcing the Kings to head into the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Western Conference‘s 8th seed.

Remember how that turned out?

By the way, Ryan Clowe has zero goals, a weak eight assists, a liable minus-eight rating, and a hot-head total of 72 penalty minutes – in 23 games.

He might just be best used when on the bench.

Clowestick

The Kings (30) sit two points ahead of the Sharks (28) with both teams playing their 26th contests of the season tomorrow.

This will be the first of four matchups during this shortened campaign between the two Pacific Division rivals.

Puck drops Thursday night at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California at 7:30PM PST

Episode 183 KingsCast TV: Jarome Iginla will not be an L.A. King – HERE
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Wake up. Wake up, now. There’s something brewing here.

Maybe a skin smack or two from that crisp, unbearably cold Canadian air was needed to hit the faces of this club for a bit of a wake-up call.

The Kings play 13 of their next 16 contests at home.

The Kings return to Staples Center Saturday afternoon with a 7-6-2 record. They’re fresh off of two wins in Alberta, Canada, staving off the Edmonton Oilers in a late 2-1 thriller, and following up with a 3-1 win against the Calgary Flames.

*NEW KingsCastTV: “LA Kings Battle in Alberta”

Although the Kings now own a winning record for the first time this season, they still sit last (5th) in the Pacific Division. However, they’ve made some improvements regarding the entire Western Conference, now filling the 11th-seed with 16 points.

Ahead of the Kings are the Detroit Red Wings (17pts), who the Kings host Wednesday, and behind the Kings are the Colorado Avalanche (15pts), who the Kings host Saturday afternoon.

It’s already got a postseason-like tingle to it, no?

When it comes to home ice for the Kings, there’s never much comfort in the setting. The upcoming rush of home contests is just as vital as it is comforting for this team. And comfort, as we’ve seen in the past, doesn’t bode too well for this roster.

Honey I’m…

Home: The Kings have played just one home contest in the past 23 days, but are now slated to play at Staples Center thirteen times over the next four weeks. The Kings are 2-1-1 in Downtown Los Angeles so far this season.

This next string of games (16) will push the season to it’s 2/3 marker (31 games), which is a major point in the schedule for NHL teams, especially because of this year’s unique and shortened 48-game slate. The standings, because of the season’s strict inter-Conference schedule, will be extremely tight until the end – that’s if you’re still in contention.

The battle for playoff positioning will be heavily saturated, and the Kings must take full advantage of the plethora of home contests that graces their schedule for the next month. Of the Kings next thirteen home games, ten of them are against clubs that are currently ahead of the Kings in the Western Conference standings.

Six of those home games will be against Pacific Division opponents, including a back-to-back series against the Phoenix Coyotes. Of the Kings three road games over the next sixteen contests, two are also against Pacific Division opponents – the San Jose Sharks and the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Kings are playing more than half of their home contests over the course of the next 30 days. If they were to throw away a golden opportunity this year, it would be failing to climb the standings during this lengthy home-stretch.

Looking up

Top-six Who?: The Kings, much like during last year’s regular season, have been struggling mightily to score goals. Just a few days ago, the Kings were dead-last (30th) in the entire NHL in goals scored.

After sweeping Alberta with two straight victories, the Kings have improved to 25th in goals scored in the NHL. This, brought to you by the continuation of production from the Kings’ 3rd and 4th lines, as well as a couple of the club’s popular names starting to once again show signs of life.

Dustin Brown, who had been without a goal in eight games until notching the Kings’ first goal Wednesday in Calgary, has been uncomfortably quiet this season – both offensively, and physically. Brown has looked much better the previous two games, finding three shots on goal, and laying eight hits on opponents.

Lewy (and Co.) in the News

Digging deep: After Sunday’s 3-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, Kings coach Darryl Sutter called out his forwards, namely those who had yet to score a goal this season – as the schedule surpassed the quarter-mark:

“What is more significant being at the quarter pole is the fact that we have guys with zero goals at the quarter pole. I don’t even think I’d be in the lineup if I had zero goals at the quarter pole.” – Darryl Sutter via LA Times

As a player, that’s your queue to respond – and bury the puck.

Trevor Lewis did just that, scoring the Kings’ game-winning goal Wednesday in Calgary, and assisting on the Kings’ winner in Edmonton the night prior. Lewis has three points in the past two games, his only points of the season.

Lewis’ other assist came off of Colin Fraser‘s goal in Edmonton. Fraser was playing for the first time Tuesday night after being a healthy scratch the previous four contests.

Hold on, Edmonton

Another quiet, yet popular name that has struggled this season is Mike Richards.

Hair long, Money long

Sleeping Star: One of the biggest concerns regarding the Kings’ slow start was the non-effect Mike Richards on the ice. Richards, unlike his linemate and good friend Jeff Carter, has been struggling to produce offensively the majority of the season.

Richards, much like Dustin Brown, has come to life recently. Mike Richards tallied the game-winning goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets last Friday, and followed with two goals on Sunday against the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday.

Although it was clearly little too late when Richards notched his two goals Sunday, the situation and manner he scored them in was invigorating. For the first time this season, we saw Richards single-handedly take the game into his own hands, showing a passion and fire we haven’t seen from the veteran forward since last postseason.

Without a Dought-y

Ouch: Maybe the screen shot tells it all. The Kings are hurting defensively.

All hail Vyacheslav Voynov.

#13 Buries the Avalanche

Colorado Down: The Kings played the Colorado Avalanche in their second game of the campaign on January 22nd, falling 3-1 at the Pepsi Center in Denver. Kyle Clifford scored the lone goal for the Kings. Colorado scored three goals in the third period to secure a victory.

The Avalanche will be in Los Angeles for a matinee affair Saturday afternoon. The last time Colorado played an afternoon game at Staples Center, this happened:

When you think it’s bad

There’s always this to shed some light.

Seeing Purple

Catwalk: The Kings will be donning their vintage “Forum Blue” (purple) and gold throwback beauties for their return to Staples Center Saturday afternoon. This will be in recognition for Ian Laperriere, who the Kings will pay tribute to in the first installment of this season’s “Legend’s Night” series.

However, it’s more fitting for former Kings owner Jerry Buss, who passed away early this past Monday. These are the uniforms the Kings wore during Buss’ ownership, and it’s the first home game for the Kings since the former owner’s passing.

There will be a moment of silence dedicated to Jerry Buss prior to Saturday’s contest.

Puck drops at Staples Center Saturday at 1:00PM PST against the Colorado Avalanche.

Episode 180 KingsCast TV: LA Kings Battle in Alberta – HERE
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Like a buried gem found on Tolkuchka, this player’s value is Russian upward.

To double-clutch at the simple realization a player is spending just their second season at the NHL-level means you’re dealing with an extremely special name.

And one that battles proper pronunciation.

That’s the case for the Kings’ Vyacheslav Voynov, who was selected 32nd overall by the Kings in the second round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Voynov was the third player acquired by the Kings in that season’s draft, behind Drew Doughty (#2 overall) and Colten Teubert (#13 overall).

Voynov is showing a maturity and intelligence level right now that trumps Drew Doughty‘s. As for Colten Teubert, he no longer plays in the Kings’ organization. Teubert was traded to the Edmonton Oilers for Dustin Penner on February 28, 2011.

Voynov has played in just 65 regular season NHL games. Sprinkle last season’s 20 postseason contests into the mix, and the number hits 85.

Yet, the kid plays like a veteran. The Kings have an exceptional asset on their hands.

The 23 year-old native of Chelyabinsk, Russia is carrying the Kings’ injury-plagued defense on his shoulders. When you say he’s been the best defenseman on the roster this season – you’re dead-on and right. When you say he’s been the best overall player – you’ve got a point.

Because, in a style of play that seems to come from instinct rather than raw skill, the quickly developing prospect has been on point.

And from the point, he’s been lethal.

#26 bombs Columbus

Flying V

Slava-Rama: Numbers can be dishonest at times, but the statistics that sit beside Vyacheslav Voynov‘s name just about do his play this season justice. Just about. In the Kings’ first 11 games to start this shortened season, the Russian blue-liner has six points in the form of two goals and four assists.

If you’re looking for beauty, track Voynov’s presence for a shift. Follow him at all times, follow him without the puck. That folks, is when you really see a player.

Voynov’s six points (2G, 4A) is tied for second-best on the roster with three other players – Dustin Brown (3G, 3A), Mike Richards (1G, 5A), and Kyle Clifford (1G, 5A). Brown and Richards are clear-cut top-six forwards, where you’ll expect sexy offensive stat-lines. Clifford has been a horse, and deserves every point he’s tallied this season.

But for Voynov, his offensive numbers are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to analyzing his overall presence on this Kings roster.

When he isn’t inking the score-sheet, he’s keeping scorekeepers on their toes by creating red-light opportunities. The kid puts the puck on net, and he often directs it toward the traffic that presents itself in the crease. Vyacheslav Voynov is fifth on the Kings roster in shots on goal with 22.

In 54 regular season games in the 2011-2012 campaign, Voynov recorded 20 points in the form of eight goals and 12 assists. He’s on pace to shatter those results this year, even in this shortened 48-game season.

Nothing new here

Watch me now

Five-Tools for you: When you talk well-rounded, that speaks to the game of Vyacheslav Voynov. He may be more impressive without the puck than with it. This points to positioning; providing support in all areas on the ice.

Vyacheslav Voynov is open more often than your local Denny’s.

This bodes extremely well for puck control, giving the other four players on the ice with Voynov at any time a reliable target to share the puck with when under pressure. And this is why I stress the beauty of watching Vyacheslav Voynov without the puck.

It’s called ‘regrouping’, and it’s oh so vital in today’s NHL game.

He’s always open. And it if isn’t in a clear and open area multiple feet away, it’s close by for support of the pressure he’s reading.

Take Notes

Mom’s got dinner on the table: For the first time in 27 days come Friday, the Kings will be on home ice at Staples Center. This, for a date with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This will be the second time these two clubs have seen each other this season.

The Kings defeated the Blue Jackets 4-2 on February 5th in Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Arena.

This will also mark Jack Johnson‘s first visit to Staples Center in an opposing sweater since being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets last February for Jeff Carter.

Speaking of Vyacheslav Voynov, he had quite the impact the last time the Kings played hockey in downtown Los Angeles.

Come home, we’ve got time

When I kicked it in New Hampshire

Give Loktionov a call

And tell him you’re killing it. Tell him you’re killing it in the big show.

Episode 179 KingsCast TV: LA Kings are slumping – HERE
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The shortened NHL season trudges on. Back in action with another riveting and contentious regular season installment is KingsCast. In this episode we breakdown the 1st road trip of the season, talk Vancouver & Nashville games, attempt to figure out what’s wrong with the LA Kings and of course, discuss Mike Richards. What would you do to steer this team in the right direction?

Since the 2012 NHL Lockout killed the annual Holiday show, we decided to mix together a compilation of some of the best KingsCast Los Angeles Kings Holiday moments from both the video show and the podcast. Includes “Hockey Neverland,” the LA Kings official Christmas cards, “My Favorite KingsCast things,” Holiday gift giving, “Most Miserable Time of the Year” and much more. Happy Holidays from KingsCast!

The Los Angeles Kings should be at the beginning of their Stanley Cup defense. Instead, the NHL is locked out. Games are cancelled but Keith and Chris are back in action with a brand new episode. In this show we talk about the NHL lockout, talk LA Kings players in Europe, debut some special edition t-shirts and say “See Ya!” to Scott Parse.

What do you do when there’s a lockout? Release an official Bloopers show, that’s what. Showcasing the best of the bloopers/outtakes from the KingsCast and Los Angeles Kings 2011/2012 Stanley Cup Championship season. The very best, and rare, moments from Season 3 of the long running infallible hockey video show.

The third and final installment of the “Segment Trilogy” is here. In this video, we highlight the rest of the best KingsCast segments including How’s That One Guy Doing?, Giving Thanks, Anatomy of a Fan, Words to Describe the LA Kings Season, Holiday Gift Giving and so much more! Cure your Los Angeles Stanley Cup hangover with more KingsCast.

The hockey offseason continues with another compilation of the best “See Ya!” segments from Season 3 of KingsCast (2011/2012). Say goodbye to players such as Ethan Moreau, teams like the Vancouver Canucks & New Jersey Devils and much more! Presented in official KingsCast Los Angles Kings fashion with the popular, long running comedy segment.

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And #74′s back for a couple.

Go looking for one thing, and little do you know, it’s already in your hands.

When Dean Lombardi dealt for Dustin Penner in Feburary 2011, it momentarily posed as the answer to the Kings’ desperate need for a top-six forward that brought both size and production.

Penner, who has been somewhat of a disappointment since coming to Los Angeles, has been overshadowed – and outplayed, by a younger, more promising addition in Dwight King.

Both players will be under contract again next season, but they entail much different meaning. Penner, who is sticking around with the Kings for one more season at $3.25 million, will likely see this as one of the final contracts to grace his NHL career.

It’s an opposite spectrum for Dwight King, who is locked up for a much cheaper price, but as a player with a future that could be worth much more.

Dwight King has inked a contract extension at $1.5 million for the next two seasons.

They say money can label one’s worth; For the Kings, they’ve secured a developing asset that certainly has the potential to more than pay off for his salary the next two seasons, making this a probable steal for the Kings.

It’s safe at the absolute worst, which happens to be the best thing about it.

King, in what was his second NHL stint, came in loud, tacking up 14 points in 27 regular season games. His production didn’t falter in the postseason either, following up with eight points in the Kings’ 20-game postseason run.

King from New England, Cup’s been back in New England

Take me there: Since we last touched base, three more players and two staff personnel have enjoyed their personal days with the Stanley Cup. This round of visits includes a trip back to Boston, Massachusetts – giving New England a sniff of the hardware they owned last season.

Simon Gagne

July 13 – Lac-Beauport, Quebec

Gagne, held down with a concussion the majority of the season, appeared in just 37 regular season games, yet returned for the final four games of the Stanley Cup Finals. The head’s gotta feel quite all right; Gagne spent his day on the golf course with the Cup, as host of his annual golf tournament for local cancer charities.
Red October

Rob Scuderi

July 14 – Dover, Massachusetts

Scuderi deserves this just as much as anyone else, and more than the majority of the roster. He played in every single game for the Kings this season, all 82 regular, and 20 postseason. You hardly notice him, but that’s how you know a player in Scuderi’s role is doing his absolute best. He didn’t bring the Cup back to his hometown of Long Island, NY, but to his longstanding off season home in Dover, Mass. Here, he greeted the locals with the Cup at their local Fire Department.
Scuderi robs Ottawa

Colin Fraser

July 18 – Sylvan Lake, Alberta

Fraser, who became a valued menace on the fourth-line, and erased any memories of Ryan Smyth, was a go-to asset all season long, playing in 67 regular season games, and 18 of 20 in the playoffs. His payoff was presence, not production. Fraser presented the Cup in his wife’s hometown, celebrating with a local parade through the community’s farmers market.
Beginning of the end

Another round, New digs, Cleared

Prospect ink: The Kings continued to resign restricted free agents after locking up Dwight King. This time, the front office made agreements with those in the AHL system, keeping another four prospects in Manchester Monarchs uniforms for one more season.

Those signed are Thomas Hickey, Jake Muzzin, David Meckler, and Stefan Legein. For Hickey, this may be his last grasp at a chance with this organization. The #4 overall selection in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft is struggling to crack through the Kings’ system. Thomas Hickey‘s NHL future may simply endear that if it works, it’ll be elsewhere.

Windy City: It didn’t take too long for Jamie Kompon to find new work, he’s been hired to reunite with Joel Quenneville and take the helm as the Chicago Blackhawks‘ assistant coach.

If powerplay struggles turn out as bad as they did for Kompon in Los Angeles, Blackhawks fans may start drinking as much as Patrick Kane.

Reasonable Dought: As expected, Drew Doughty has been cleared of sexual-assault charges.

Off the hook

Two-year look

The King thing

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