3 From 30: Los Angeles Kings’ Rising Stars
The Los Angeles Kings were one of the top teams entering last season, the year after they dominated the NHL and won the Stanley Cup as the 8thseed. Although they were thought to win it again, they fell out of the playoffs. Three people come to mind when I think of who will dominate for the Kings next season; one forward, one defender, and one goalie. Here are my three rising stars for the Los Angeles Kings.
June 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Jarret Stoll (28) pins Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Duncan Keith (2) during the third period in game three of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jarret Stoll is a center for the team. Last season he wasn’t much of a point scorer. He managed to make 18 points in 48 games. Stoll isn’t one of the better players, but he did manage to score 3 of his 7 goals to win a game. I know he can do a lot better, and I see him scoring about 20 goals next season. I think he can hit 50-55 points with a little more ice time. Like I said, he isn’t the best, but if he plays his cards right, he will have a breakout season this year.
June 6, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) blocks a shot against Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) as Los Angeles Kings defenseman Drew Doughty (8) and center Trevor Lewis (22) help defend during the second period in game four of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
One of my favorite defensemen in the game is Drew Doughty. I love watching how he handles opponents coming down the ice. His 22 points last season was good, and his +4 rating was good too. He is one great defenseman and I can see him being one of the greatest this year. He knows how to stop pucks before they get to the net, and he will annihilate any opponent. Expect a big season out of this player.
Jun 8, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Johnny Oduya (27) shoots the puck above the cross bar of Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick (32) and misses the net during the third period in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
We all watched as Jonathan Quick led the Kings to the Stanley Cup championship in 2012. He was definitely a key player, and he won the Conn Smythe trophy for being the MVP of the playoffs. He is a great goaltender, and he still is. I see a lot of good years to come out of him. He went 18-13-4 last season with a .902 save percentage. This man is without a doubt on the top 5 goaltenders in the league list. He can stop the puck for sure. There are even jokes about him having two glove hands. He is definitely going to be the face of the Kings for years to come.
These are my three choices for LA’s rising stars next season. Let me know how I did and rank your own players. Tweet us @TMMotS and myself @NardoneDylan. You can also email us at tmmots@yahoo.ca. Thanks for reading!