Los Angeles Kings: Dustin Brown’s career revival driving success

There are a lot of factors involved in the Los Angeles Kings strong start. But none of them are larger than Dustin Brown’s revival. 

It’s funny how sports work. One day, you’re the hero. You’ve captained a team to two Stanley Cups. For all intents and purposes, you’re the king of the world. But the next year, you can be a liability. People want you gone. That’s a feeling Los Angeles Kings forward Dustin Brown knows quite well.

Back in the summer of 2014, he was a hero in the city of angels. The toast of the town as the captain of a Kings franchise that won two titles in three years. Sure, Brown had just 27 regular season points in over 70 games, but he put up 14 points while helping LA win a championship, so everyone forgot. From then, the Kings declined and so did the captain. Suddenly, Brown’s lack of production started becoming far more obvious.

This led to him losing his captaincy to Anze Kopitar during the summer of 2016. Brown was pissed and had every right to be. Though he picked up 36 points in 2016-17, his first season since losing the C, that was his highest total since the 2011-12 season. Brown’s career has seen an upswing since losing the role. Now he’s leading the Kings, who as of Oct. 19, lead the Western Conference with 11 points. Brown’s off to a very good start, with four goals and seven points in his first six games.

Who Deserves Credit?

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A majority of the credit for Brown’s quick revival belongs to the man himself. After some early frustration, he has handled losing the captaincy about as professionally as he could have handled it. This says a lot about Brown and his character. Instead of letting it negatively affect him, he channeled that negative energy and turned it into positive energy. And it’s showing on the ice.

There are some other factors at play. A huge one has been playing with Anze Kopitar a lot. Brown and Kopitar know each other extremely well. They were linemates for most of the Kings quasi-dynasty from 2011 to 2014. It’s not a surprise both Brown and Kopitar, who had an off year (at least for him) in 2016-17, are flourishing together.

Another factor is quite simple – playing time. Players who play more tend to produce more. It’s simple math. Through six games, Brown is averaging an eye-popping 19:44 of ice time. That’s his highest average since the 2011-12 season. Brown’s averaging four shots per game and just over six shot attempts per game so far. It’s likely that increase in playing time is playing a huge role in it.

Finally, head coach John Stevens deserves credit as well. He’s been excellent at utilizing his players. Realizing both Brown and Kopitar can shut down opposing forwards, he put them together. His system, which requires his defensemen to be more active on offense, eases the load on the forwards. Brown and Kopitar have been the biggest beneficiaries so far.

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Moving Forward

It’s likely Dustin won’t continue his point per game pace. That’s something he has never done during his career. It’s highly unlikely Brown’s going to sustain it at the age of 33. But he’s playing a solid two-way game. Brown’s being physical and relentlessly fighting for positioning around the crease. That’s what he needs to do to be great.

Of course, there’s the risk of injury. But Brown is at his best when he’s being a pest. The Kings have been very surprising so far. They’ll need Brown and Kopitar to continue to lead the team moving forward.