.

Considering the outlook just four days ago, consider things good.

We last touched on the Kings before Wednesday’s affair in Calgary, tabbing them to need at least eight of the possible 12 points available in their final six contests. Well, after a grueling three puck-drops in four nights, the Kings have been able to credit five of six possible points to their name. At the moment, this leads them to third in the Western Conference, as they’ve taken the throne of the Pacific Division.

The offense has restructured itself in the past three games, even with the loss of Jeff Carter – dark horse Brad Richardson filling in quite well with two goals tonight in Minnesota. The Kings have scored 10 goals in the past three games, but have still continued to struggle on the powerplay. Coming into tonight, they had executed on just two of their previous 30 man-advantage opportunities. They cut themselves a bit of slack in Minnesota, Dustin Brown potting a loose rebound from a Mike Richards powerplay shot.

Some may argue the Kings would have come away with two points tonight had Jonathan Quick been in net, especially considering his shootout resume over Bernier’s. With tonight being the second of back-to-back games, Darryl Sutter fit in some time for Jonathan Bernier in the most plausible opportunity possible before the regular season’s end. Quick, who will most likely start the final three games of the campaign, was due for rest, and Bernier was due for live-play.

And as for those final three games:

Monday VS Edmonton Oilers
Thursday VS San Jose Sharks
Saturday @ San Jose Sharks

It’s a rematch with the Edmonton Oilers on Monday, who the Kings saw Friday night, handling them quite easily in a 4-1 victory. The Oilers, however, are a scary opponent right now, even if they are 14th in the Western Conference, 29th in the NHL. They have absolutely nothing to play for, which alleviates pressure – something that can buckle teams in a playoff race this close.

The Kings haven’t found gleaming success against Edmonton this season, heading into their final matchup with a 1-1-1 record.

Defensive offense

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The Kings’ offensive output is something surely to be praised as of late, but much of it stems from the blue-line. Alec Martinez has been a pleasant surprise recently, chipping in with three goals in his previous eight games. It hasn’t been just Martinez, as the defense has been contributing in a balanced effect.

Seven points have come off the blades of defensemen in the past three, Willie Mitchell (1G, 1A), Drew Doughty (1G, 1A), Matt Greene (2A), and Alec Martinez (1G). Along with allowing the season-low in shots Friday night (14), the defensive department has done quite well for themselves, and for the team. Just five regulation goals have been surrendered by the Kings in the past four contests.

As for the forwards, the loss of Jeff Carter is a heavy hit to take right now, the Kings momentarily losing their key trade-deadline acquisition. To fill his role came Brad Richardson, who was all over the ice tonight, involved in both ends, taking the night’s spotlight with two goals, just his fourth and fifth of the season.

Carter will be evaluated Monday in Los Angeles for an MRI. X-Rays initially saw no damage that posed any signs of a bone break, Monday’s further examination should tell a better story. Obviously, Jeff Carter should be counted out of the Kings lineup for Monday, giving Brad Richardson a chance to build on his magnificent performance tonight in Minnesota.

Richardson came out of nowhere last April

The Kings haven’t been able to qualify for the NHL playoffs in three consecutive seasons since their run from 1999-2002, the beginning of the Staples Center era. They’re due for another trifecta.

Do they make history with three straight runs?

.Only the final three will tell.

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The Los Angeles Kings miss Ryan Smyth.

I refuse to acknowledge the past two games. What is this ‘past two games’ you speak of? Trash.

Smyth, a menace atop the crease, and a player who always has had the knack to finish, took his valued attributes back to Edmonton over the summer. The qualities Smyth brought to the Kings’ roster for two years were underrated by some, his absence is showing a few holes in the team’s offensive output this year.

Don’t be afraid to admit this, please.

Back home this season, Ryan Smyth has 36 points in his 52 games played. If those numbers were to be compared with those on the Kings, Smyth would be tied for 2nd in points on the team with Justin Williams (36), only behind Anze Kopitar (46). Pretty impressive for Smyth at the age of 35, who was heavily targeted in Los Angeles heading into the ’10-’11 season, simply for inevitably turning 34.

There are two key things I’d like to point out before we go any farther, and before people start to stray away from the main point here. Ryan Smyth didn’t want to stay here, and even if Dean Lombardi didn’t honor his trade request, you’d have an unhappy veteran in the locker room. That’s not good. Second, when the Kings granted Smyth’s wish, they saved $6.25 million on this year’s salary cap hit. If not for this money, the Kings very well may be without Mike Richards or Simon Gagne. And of course, where would the Kings find the cash to pay this guy?

Really, I’d love to make this article as sweet as possible and imagine Ryan Smyth with today’s Kings roster, but the chances of that happening were slim to none.

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Highlight reels haven’t often caught Smyth throughout his career, they sure aren’t these days either. He has no shot, he’s got below average speed, and no physical presence. However, the guy manages to score, and is 3rd in points on an Edmonton Oilers roster that is stacked with youth.

One of the biggest misconceptions made about Ryan Smyth may be those judgments sparked by his age.

For the way this season has gone for Ninety Four, he could slinky behind the goal-line, throw weak (yet smart) close-range shots on net, and use that magical wooden blade of his to redirect pucks to hit twine at a decent rate until he’s 40. These aren’t skills that demand invigorated youth, but more smarts and experience. Ryan Smyth knows how to anticipate plays, how to position for a shot’s rebound, and how to make something out of what looks to be absolutely nothing.

Smyth is reportedly on the NHL trade market for the upcoming deadline as a loan, meaning he’d have to waive his no-trade clause with an expected mutual agreement to return to Edmonton for the ’12-’13 campaign. There will be no Smyth-LA reunion, there are too many reasons to note; And if you are aware of just one, that should be enough to close the door.

It’s just a bit unfortunate, and that’s easier to say with how this Kings’ offense has panned out this year, which is rather top-heavy with extremely notable NHL talent. Yet, much of the fanbase is in hopes for a big-time deal from Dean Lombardi before the February 27 trade deadline. The talent is already here, what you’re really looking for is 3rd/4th line depth and/or a scrappy asset like Smyth. Edmonton’s veteran is on pace to notch 57 points this season, more than he had in each of his two seasons donning a Kings sweater.

Shots on goal haven’t been the issue this year, having someone there to reinforce executing on that opportunity is. That’s what Smyth does, that’s what he did in Los Angeles.

The following clip is from Edmonton’s victory in Detroit Saturday night, and this is what it’s all about. Ryan Smyth has the assist on Simon Gagner‘s goal here – via his shot along the half-boards. That shot is ugly, that shot has nothing on it, yet the results are beautiful. That’s instinct, goals are produced in this form more often than you’d think, you just wont see them on ESPN.

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“I don’t think anybody really believed it would happen. And, when it did happen they (Canadians) were – you know, it was like the Prime Minister being sent to another country at that time.” – The same guy as Glen Sather

Where were you?: It happened 23 years ago today, a date that deserves to be celebrated for it’s colossal relation to our modern era of hockey. Whether it’s to honor the greatest transaction in Los Angeles Kings‘ history, or to honor the immense amount of positive change it rippled into the NHL‘s system, it’s a historical aspect of the game that deserves annual recognition.

Hold on now, there’s more: Wayne Gretzky put hockey on the map in Los Angeles and across the Southern half of the United States, which is why you’re getting hit with a THREE-PART SERIES to celebrate the occasion. We’re scoping out the trade itself in this article, followed by two interviews as I dig into the local LA hockey scene. Look out for an interview with the hockey manager at the Los Angeles Kings Valley Ice Center in Part II. Then, to top things off, I’ll profile a former ECHL player, raised in LA, who crafted together a stint in the pro’s in Part III. Keep them eyelids peeled, folks.

Relocation Station

There’s no question, Wayne Gretzky‘s venture to Los Angeles planted NHL expansion to unfamiliar areas, the league hoping to feed off of the success the Kings’ franchise glorified in after the trade. If there’s anything to seriously symbolize the explosion of hockey in LA upon the Gretzky acquisition, it’s the Kings becoming the first professional sports team in Los Angeles to ever sell out it’s seats to every game in one full season. “KO-BE!” *Air Jumpshot* Air ball.

Expand, the NHL did, and in rapid fashion, which is probably why a few clubs on the map find themselves troubled. Am I the only one displeased that Round two in Atlanta couldn’t work out? Starting in 1991, three years after Gretzky arrived in LA, the NHL was planting teams on the Southern end of the country faster than your local nursery was potting tulips in April. Until 1999, a quick eight-year span, ten clubs were placed in the Southern half of the United States. Nine of the ten Southern clubs are still operating in their respective markets in a well-balanced group, some with a reputation of striking success, others scraping to stay afloat.

California, most notably, has had much success with the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks, two teams residing in the region where the NHL was reborn. Raleigh, NC and Nashville, TN have embraced their teams from the start, validating those moves. Florida seems to be getting by just fine, no booming markets in Tampa and Miami by any means, but they’ve seemed to make ends meet since their expansion. Hockey in the desert is running dry, the Phoenix Coyotes having to reach out to the taxpayers in Glendale for financial support – just to survive another season. As for Dallas, attendance numbers have been ugly as of late, and ownership is in the process of trying to sell the Stars. Overall, not too shabby of a result to the Southern experiment.

Get on the Buss, Execute the Deal.

In attendance for the 1985 NHL Awards, former Kings owner Jerry Buss reached out to former Edmonton Oilers‘ owner Peter Pocklington to express interest in Gretzky. On the night Buss approached Pocklington, Gretzky was receiving his sixth consecutive Hart Memorial Trophy, fresh off of the best season of his NHL career. In ’84-’85, Gretzky notched 73 Goals, 135 Assists, totaling 208 Points. Disgusting. Inhumane. If you’re looking for good timing, or the right place, don’t look here. It’s like trying to be in the right place at the right time, to propose a trade for Wayne Gretzky, and you’re going to the ’85 Awards to do it. Not your best bet, by a long shot. But it’s a bold move, and that had to stick with Peter Pocklington.

This may have been a ‘one last shot’ ordeal for Buss as Kings’ owner, as Bruce McNall began to purchase shares of the franchise in the summer of ’85, ultimately taking over full ownership in 1988. McNall followed up with Peter Pocklington about Gretzky numerous times, building off of his predecessor. McNall finally struck serious interest from Pocklington in the summer of ’88, as relations between Gretzky and the Oilers were scuffling through unhealthy contract communications.

Pocklington wanted cash: the Kings had cash. Pocklington wanted draft picks: the Kings handed over a full-line’s worth. Marvelous work by McNall here, who cashed in on a vulnerable Pocklington, who was working in the midst of frustration and panic about Gretzky’s contract. Not even five years later, McNall pleaded guilty to five counts of fraud, swiping $236 million from six banks on defaulted loans. Nice. Great job getting Gretzky to LA, though, man.

“We went from having 5, 6, 7,000 fans a night, to all of a sudden being mobbed, sold out every game, having celebrities running around locker rooms, you have President Reagan calling me for seats on the ice. It was the place to be, and the place to be seen.” – Bruce McNall

“Maybe hockey’s not LA’s #1 sport, but all of a sudden there was so much notoriety about Gretzky’s arrival in Los Angeles, some people called up right after the trade and said: ‘I’ve never been to a hockey game before but I want four season tickets.’ Ticket reps replied with ‘I don’t know where you’ll be sitting’. ‘I don’t care, here’s my credit card number, put me down for four’.” – Bob Miller

He may have won his four Stanley Cups with the Edmonton Oilers, but Wayne Gretzky‘s broad-based legacy will forever be seen through his history with the Los Angeles Kings. When a player and a certain team can combine to be larger than four Stanley Cup championships, it was something special, and it still is something special. The impact Gretzky had on the NHL and the game of hockey is astonishing, he didn’t just put Los Angeles on the hockey map, he made it a landmark. His involvement in the game is crucial; a position in the NHL is open when he’s ready, and don’t believe for a minute that the Kings haven’t thrown out the offer.

“It’s like selling the Mona Lisa. You think it’s yours, and suddenly he’s gone. Wayne Gretzky put Edmonton on the map.” – Jim Matheson

More than just Edmonton, Jim.

“The bottom line for me, I would have rather invested my money with Bernie Madoff than invest in Edmonton’s word.” – Dean Lombardi per Helene Elliott

“My history with players is that if I get a guy that wants to be traded, I probably don’t want him. I want the guy who’s hurt by the trade.” - Dean Lombardi per Dennis Bernstein

A well deserved dagger tossed by Dean Lombardi earlier in the month, and a sensible view on dealing with unhappy players during Mike Richards‘ introductory media event. Unfortunately, no player was hurt in the deal that sent Ryan Smyth to the Edmonton Oilers just over a month ago. Instead, June 26′s transaction quickly grew to become a nasty, lingering aftertaste throughout the Kings’ front office and fan-base that could be no more satisfying than a healthy punch to the gut. What’s the most distasteful part about the entire process and it’s result? Tough to rank ‘em from worst to worst-er, so let’s just compile a nice list:

1) At some point in Late-April until June, Ryan Smyth requested a trade out of Los Angeles,  to the f*cking Oilers and no one else  preferrably to the Edmonton Oilers.

2) Word got out, Smyth denied the allegations. Those allegations ultimately caused his nose to get even larger. #pinocchio

HOLY COW!

3) He says it’s for family reasons, Edmonton being a very familiar and friendly setting for his family, the Oilers being a comfortable and historic team to end his career with.

4) Dean Lombardi shows respect to Smyth by acting on his request, a quirky one at that, considering where the Kings and Oilers stand in 2011-2012 respectively.

5) Dean calls Oilers’ GM Steve Tambellini.

6) “Oh hey Dean, yeah not much, just being a huge douche. How have you been?”

7) They agree on a deal, giving the Kings forward Gilbert Brule and a 4th-round draft pick for Smyth. The Kings planned on dumping Brule once the deal was finalized, but you can’t dump a player that’s not cleared to play, RIGHT STEVE TAMBELLINI? Brule’s health conditions called off the reportedly done-deal, his history of head injuries, one of which a concussion he was still recovering from, and a rumor of depression as the cause. OK, there’s one down.

Number 8 still unsigned.

9) They agree on a deal after the initial deal they agreed on was no longer concurred upon. This time, it’s forward Colin Fraser and a 7th-round selection in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. This deal is actually finalized, just two days after the Gilbert Brule report. Fraser, however, was a player the Kings planned on keeping in their system. And what do you know, further analysis by the Kings’ medical staff after the trade showed his ankle fracture not properly healed, deeming him ineligible to play. Fraser’s facture was publicized, but the Oilers stated that he would be clear to play in just a few days. Word had it that the ankle may require surgery, and that it did, with Fraser going under the knife this week in Cleveland, Ohio – he is out indefinitely.

10) Dean Lombardi, 34 days after the trade, lands the blow I’ve been waiting for since June 26. Lombardi files a formal grivance to the NHL regarding Colin Fraser‘s health conditions at the time of his trade to Los Angeles.

“This is twice. There comes a point where you say this is wrong.”

Here’s the way it needs to go, the way it should go. It’s not “if” the Kings get anything from this lawsuit, but “what”. The trade won’t get revoked, Smyth is 100% done in Los Angeles, scratch that possibility off the board. What adds even more fuel to this fire is the proposed deal BEFORE Colin Fraser, the transaction falling short with Gilbert Brule due to last-minute medical revelations. Look at it any way you want, but the Edmonton Oilers attempted to deal two injured players in the span of two days. Excuse my french, but fucking up like that doesn’t happen to honest professional franchises twice in as many days. Sorry, but this is on Tambellini and the entire Edmonton franchise.

The grievance has been filed, which calls for NHL commissioner Gary Bettman to open his schedule for a hearing. Bettman, who analyzes and files all grievances has yet to set a date for the meeting. Don’t fall for the Red Herring, Gary. This is an obstacle for Bettman, unlike many would think. His decision sets a strong precedent for trade grievances from here on, an issue that hasn’t been addressed too often since the lockout. If we’re staying true to the rules, Lombardi and the Kings pay off from filing this grievance.

The inevitable has taken form. The best of luck on your future endeavors, Smytts.

Not many players can pull off white skates, either. We’re talking Fedorov status here.

Sorry to see him go, the seasoned veteran who was hitched to this club in Dean Lombardi‘s marvelous acquisition in July of 2009. He brought with him experience to mold the development of an extremely young roster, he immediately proved himself worthy of still being a top-six forward, and the guy always got it done on the power-play, smack-dab in his roundhouse – the crease.

It was only a matter of time, really. Initial word had gotten out that Ryan Smyth approached Dean Lombardi in request of a trade out of Los Angeles about a week ago. When confronted about the revelation, Smyth firmly denied the allegations, which soon after turned out to be true. You’ve got to be somewhat happy for Smyth, who now can end his career where it started, and where it was embraced – with the Edmonton Oilers. Family has been said to be the fueling factor to this entire soap opera, where making home in Alberta was top priority. But, a bigger priority than a decent shot at the Stanley Cup with the Kings? The Oilers are about two years behind the Kings in terms of developing a young roster, and the way Smyth lagged during the second-half of this season, a renewed or extended contract with the Oil is far from guaranteed. That could give Smyth one final season in Edmonton, where Cup hopes are nothing but hope and optimism, compared to one final season in Los Angeles, where serious contention is in full gear. Welp, it is what is it.

I mean, come on! The guy still used lumber, a true vet.

Sure wasn’t LeBron James leaving Cleveland-like, but I was a bit turned off in the manner Smyth handled the whole ordeal. At first, I backtracked to his denial of the rumors, and tabbed him as a liar. But think, really, what does a professional athlete of Smyth’s caliber do in that situation? Keep it quiet, better for yourself, better for the internals of the team. The whole thing was true, that’s all that mattered.

The Kings received two assets in the trade, Centerman Colin Fraser and a boost in Cap Space. Fraser, unlike the first player the Oilers offered, Gilbert Brule, will actually get a shot to make the Kings’ roster. The cap space freed from dropping Smyth’s contract allows for more leverage in renewing Drew Doughty‘s contract or hitting the market again for a pursuable top-six left winger. Bittersweet.

Word has it Ryan Smyth wants out of Los Angeles, musing dreams of a return to Edmonton.
Word has it Ryan Smyth doesn’t want out of Los Angeles. Cat and Mouse games.
Say it ain’t so, Smytts. I never expected a move like this from you, regardless of your value to this team. Unprofessional, Edmonton shouldn’t even be impressed with the allegations.

“Sick Hair.” Smytty Hair.

He asked for it. Clues have been piling up since the initial leak, pointing all signs to this claim to be truthful. I’d like to get something out to you folks first, before the actual hockey part is discussed. Disappointment – that’s how I feel about Ryan Smyth right now. Regardless if you think he’s still a good fit for the Kings’ roster or not, this isn’t a tactic I’d ever expect to see from Smytts. Yeah, he had the bad fortune of his words hitting public ear, but these revelations are a pretty big turn-off. If he likes his chances in Edmonton for the next three years, then he must really want out of Los Angeles. Didn’t expect this from a respected, seasoned veteran who has been a huge asset to this club’s growth over the past two seasons. I’m a huge Ryan Smyth fan, and please don’t let his horrid second-half relate to my appreciation for him, and denounce the rest of this entry. There are too many allegations and rumors ablaze, let’s just talk about the pros and cons in the situation that has developed around #94.

Can’t help but say, something smells downright fishy in this b*tch!

Pass the Tartar Sauce.

Whenever any player requests a move, chances are the reaction from the current club’s fanbase won’t be too sincere. For Smyth and those of the Kings, that has been the case. The majority of the fans seem to be welcoming a move, rather than sorting things out with the 15-year veteran. Unfortunately, that’s fueling a lot more hatred toward Smyth than I believe necessary. He was attacked on a consistent basis last summer from various analysts, as his age suddenly became a glowing negativity to his future. Smyth started the season on fire, contributing to Kings’s offensive production at a torrent pace. The overall consensus is a decline in Smyth’s performance, even though he recorded just six fewer points this season than he did in ’09-’10. However, Smyth tallied his 47 points in 82 games this year, compared to 53 in just 67 games the previous season. The ratios will clear the air. But is a near 50-point season a burden to this roster? That may not matter, the player may not match the role anymore.

Revelations have recently come about that there was a disgruntled veteran on the roster this season, and all fingers point at that being Smyth. You’ve got to be crazy to believe the Edmonton Oilers have a better shot at the Stanley Cup than the Kings in the coming three seasons. Is this selfishness we’re witnessing, an ego that can’t subdue itself? Smyth is clearly willing to surrender a decent shot at the Cup before his NHL career ends, in order to return home to headline a roster bundled with young, inexperienced prospects. But would he headline that roster? Edmonton’s core can develop on it’s own just fine, the past is nothing the Oilers need to flirt with. Smyth needs to realize his role in Los Angeles is more valuable, and that the opportunities are much greater with the Kings. Has he burned that bridge?

If Smyth does in fact get dealt, it only means a jump in the process for prospect initiation, or more action from Dean Lombardi in the free-agent market. If I had to guess a sensible time for a trade, it would happen in Minnesota this weekend at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. I could see Lombardi acting on an offer that included a couple of mid-round draft picks, the Edmonton Oilers happen to have two in the third round. Edmonton can’t exactly handle Smyth’s price easily, as they’ll be hesitant to give up cap-space, while the Kings’ are looking to drop some numbers for the free-agent market.

Colten Teubert is amidst his first full season of professional hockey. Teubert pursued his development after the draft splitting time with the Regina Pats of the WHL and the Ontario Reign of the ECHL. As far as his status with the Kings organization, Teubert was ingrained in one of the most impressive defensive assemblies in hockey. He was already staring at a stalwart blue-line set in Los Angeles, and his counterparts with the Manchester Monarchs mapped a long road to Teubert’s NHL career. He was alongside blue-line prospects Jake Muzzin, Vyacheslav Voynov, and Thomas Hickey. In 39 games with the Manchester Monarchs this season, Teubert recorded 2 goals and 8 assists for 10 points. He beholds a pure defensive skill-set, and folks in Edmonton are already comparing him to a lanky Matt Greene. The Oilers have added a very promising asset to the club’s bright future. In Teubert, the Kings certainly parted ways with talent, but Dean Lombardi‘s success in building through the draft justifies the farewell.

The addition of Dustin Penner to the Kings’ lineup is exceptional. The pursuit of a top-six forward has been an issue for almost two years now. The extended hunt for a first-line left-winger has finally been put to rest, now supplying a proven forward to play alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. A first-line of Penner-Kopitar-Brown has the capabilities of being lethal, lethal I tell you. Penner brings a physical presence that equates to Dustin Brown‘s, an unseemingly soft scoring touch for his 6’4″, 245 lb stature, and a dominant aptitude for positioning in front of the net. He will undoubtedly be implemented into the powerplay, providing another reliable fixture in the crease alongside Ryan Smyth. Penner has played in 62 games this season, tallying 21 goals and 18 assists for 39 points. His surroundings in Los Angeles are an immediate improvement to those in Edmonton, which provides more upside to the deal. His potential with the Kings is outrageously attractive, and he will certainly help in ensuring to expand on the capabilities this offense beholds.

*Photo Credits:
Dustin Penner – Edmonton Oilers, Away Primary: Canadian Press/Larry MacDougal
Colten Teubert – Los Angeles Kings, Draft Hat: Ottawa Citizen/Wayne Cuddington
Dustin Penner – Edmonton Oilers, Away Primary: Getty Images/Jeff Gross

The Week That Was: The Kings resumed play with a donut in Minnesota, but managed to snag five out of the six points on the board this week. Extra points were surrendered to Western Conference counterparts Minnesota and Calgary with shootout implications in each contest. After Niklas Backstrom blanked the Kings in 65 minutes of play and three rounds of a shootout, the Kings responded with six goals in their next two games, three of those goals coming on the powerplay. The offense has seemed to embrace a heavy-shooting approach since the drought in Minnesota. Jonathan Quick has two consecutive wins, and Jonathan Bernier is riding a shutout. Justin Williams was a factor in Calgary, and it’s been too long. Williams’ tallied three points in the game, equaling his total in his previous eight games. Dustin Brown decided to take part in Saturday night’s scoresheet as well, with a goal and an assist. Brown recorded his first goal since December 8th, and his two points in the game eclipsed his total in his previous eight games.

Pacific Division Standings

TEAM                   GP    W     L      OT    PTS

Dallas                  53     30   18     5        65
San Jose               53     28   19     6        62
Anaheim              54     29    21    4        62
Phoenix               54     26    19    9        61
Los Angeles      53     29    22    2       60

Pacific Division Notes: The San Jose Sharks were the story of the week, jumping from 4th place to 2nd in the division. San Jose knocked off Pacific Divison clubs in the Anaheim Ducks and Phoenix Coyotes to return from the break. The Sharks finished the week in Boston with a shutout victory over the Bruins, giving them a 2-0 start to their season-long seven game road trip. Just as notable, the top spot in the division remained idle, as the Dallas Stars failed to add to their 65 points with three consecutive regulation losses. Anaheim and Phoenix fell one spot in the division standings respectively. The Coyotes finished the week with a 1-2-0 record, and the Ducks split their two games going 1-1-0. What seemed far-fetched just a week ago suddenly becomes a realistic goal, a Pacific Division championship. The Kings, although still sitting in the basement, are only five points out of first place.

Western Conference Standings

TEAM                      GP    W      L     OT     PTS
4. Nashville              53    28    18      7        63
5. San Jose               53    28    19      6        62
6. Anaheim              54    29    21      4        62
7. Phoenix               54    26    19      9        61
8. Los Angeles      53    29    22     2        60
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9. Minnesota           52    27     20      5        59
10. Calgary              54   26     21      7        59
11. Chicago             52    27    21      4        58

Western Conference Notes: With the 5 points pocketed this week, the Kings find themselves back in the Western Conference‘s top eight. In a matter of three games, the Kings hopped three slots to improve from the 11th seed they held last week. This makes the Pacific Division the only grouping in the NHL to have all of it’s teams in the playoff picture. Breaking the top eight is no reason to sit satisfied, six teams are within six points of the Kings. 14 of the 15 teams in the conference are contending, the Edmonton Oilers have a furnished basement. You really can’t argue security unless you’re talking the Vancouver Canucks, who are undefeated out of the break, riding five consecutive wins and atop the Western Conference with 77 points. The Kings take a break on conference opponents this week, slated for contests with three teams that make up the Eastern Conference‘s top five.

The Week Ahead: The franchise-record 10 game road-swing continues with three games scheduled for the week. And boy, does it look difficult. The Kings visit Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin for their only meetings with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals this season. Pittsburgh holds the 4th spot in the Eastern Conference, and Washington is in the shadows in 5th place. For the Penguins, they’ll be without Evgeni Malkin, who is out for the season with two torn ligaments in his right knee. Crosby has yet to return from his concussion syndromes, his status for Thursday night is unclear. Pittsburgh is 8-2-0 in their previous ten games. As for Washington, they’re slowly recovering from January with two consecutive victories and a 5-2-3 record in their previous ten games. Defenseman Mike Green, who took a puck to the head off of a Brooks Orpik shot earlier today, isn’t expected to miss any time. The Kings will cap off the week while finishing their back-to-back weekend matinee series in Philadelphia. The Flyers are atop the Eastern Conference with 75 points, and hold an 8-2-0 record in their last 10 games. The Philadelphia Flyers are 1-0-0 against the Kings this season with a 7-4 victory on December 30th in Los Angeles.

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The Week That Was: Like the rest of the league, the Kings’ had a short week of work due to this weekend’s NHL All-Star Game in Raleigh, NC. Only two games were on the slate this past week, an Eastern Conference opponent in the Boston Bruins and a Pacific Division rival in the San Jose Sharks. With victories against both opponents, the Kings entered the break on a three game win streak. The Kings now have 55 points through 50 games, here’s where they stand in the Western Conference and Pacific Division:

Pacific Division Standings

TEAM                GP     W     L      OT   PTS

Dallas                50    30    15     5      65
Anaheim            52    28    20     4      60
Phoenix             51    25    17     9      59
San Jose             50    25     19    6      56
Los Angeles     50    27   22    1      55

Pacific Division Notes: If you’re looking for a surprising division, look no further. Out of this group, there were two highly touted favorites to win the division; the San Jose Sharks and the Los Angeles Kings. Hasn’t really worked out. The Anaheim Ducks and Dallas Stars have shocked the league, and they continue to win; Anaheim and Dallas have 7 wins in their last 10 games respectively. As of now, the Kings’ attention must be centered on a top 8 seeding in the Western Conference. A division championship seems far-fetched at this point, and quite frankly shouldn’t even be stressed.

Western Conference Standings

TEAM                     GP      W     L    OT     PTS
5. Anaheim             52    28    20    4       60
6. Phoenix              51    25    17    9       59
7. Chicago              50    26    20    4       56
8. San Jose             50    25    19     6       56
9. Colorado            50    25    19     6       56
10. Minnesota        49    25    19     5       55
11. Los Angeles  50    27    22    1       55
12. Calgary            51    24    21     6       54

Western Conference Notes: This is as tight of a conference you’ll see at this point of the season. There are six teams within five points of the final playoff position, only the Edmonton Oilers can truly count themselves out at this point, sitting in the basement with a lowly 38 points. With 55 points, the Kings sit at 11th place, but only one point from breaking the top eight. Talk about Pacific Division dominance this season, the Kings are the only team in the group out of the top eight.

The Week Ahead: The schedule out of the All-Star break certainly doesn’t favor the Kings. A season-long 10 game road swing begins tomorrow night, with three games slated for this week. Looking at the upcoming three opponents, you could tag them as “should win” games. Unfortunately, “must-win” is the only manner in which these opponents can be approached. Tuesday night calls for the Minnesota Wild, who sit one spot ahead of the Kings in the conference with 55 points. The Kings are 1-0-1 against Minnesota this season. Wednesday night is slated for the Edmonton Oilers, the cellar dwellers of the West. The Kings are 2-0-0 against Edmonton this season. The week will continue, and finish in Alberta. The Kings’ will skate with the Calgary Flames Saturday night; Calgary sits one spot behind in the conference with the 12th seed with 54 points. The Kings are 1-1-0 against Calgary this season.

They play tonight against the Vancouver Canucks, tomorrow veresus the Edmonton Oilers, and the Calgary Flames are up on Thursday. Any evening of games could surely alter the standings, and these next three will definitely be a big test for the Kings in all aspects of their physical and mental play since they will not face another team until after Christmas on Saturday, December 26th against the Phoenix Coyotes.

The big question for this week is, how will the Kings hold up with Ryan Smyth still out of the line up along with Wayne Simmonds?

Since this weekend has altered my schedule a bit, I’m going to go back to the quick bullet-point style that I find so useful on this type of occasion. I hope everyone has had a great 4-day weekend because I definitely have.

• Matt Greene got his first goal of the season, which was also the game-winning goal against the Oilers. It was a pass out to the point and a lob to the goalmouth that beat Jeff Deslauriers over his shoulder.
• The Andrei Loktionov experiment halted to a standstill with a dislocated shoulder at the end of the game against the Oilers, which is completely unfortunate for him and the team.
• Thank you, Patrick O’Sullivan.
• The Kings were atrocious in the faceoff circle at 42% and 38%, respectively. A certain number 28 needs to get back in the lineup ASAP.
• I’ve actually liked Teddy Purcell‘s play in these two games on the top line. He’s not the greatest replacement but I think he’ll be an adequate stand-in while not adding too much in terms of offensive production. It’s a shame Terry Murray is changing it up again by putting Alexander Frolov back on the left wing.
• Michael Handzus took out Ales Hemsky and he is now out for the rest of the season with shoulder surgery.
• The other rookie experiment of Brayden Schenn took only one game as well. He was signed to a one-game contract and will not be returning to the lineup for tonight’s game against the Chicago Blackhawks.
• The Vancouver Canucks presented a much harder challenge to the Kings than the Oilers on Thursday and they fell 4 to 1. Roberto Loungo was the wall for the Canucks and Jonathan Quick was playing well until the third period with a collapse of three goals against. The last goal was by Kyle Wellwood who is such a great player he hit the post before scoring in the empty net. Great job, guy.
• The player of these two games was definitely Wayne Simmonds. He had the most jump of everyone and was the only to get a goal in both games.

That’s all I got, folks. Thanks for stopping by. I truely appreciate it! Also, please check out the new episode of KingsCast titled Injury Bugged.

The greatest comeback in Los Angeles Kings history took place on April 10, 1982. Known as the Miracle on Manchester, this event will always be remembered by the hardcore LA Kings fans.