Back in Black

Last year's Los Angeles Kings were supposed to take the next step forward.  That didn't happen, so they decided to accelerate that process by a little.  For all of the moves they made this offseason, everything hinges on the health of Anze Kopitar.  Before he went down with a season-ending injury, Kopitar was on his way to a career high in points.  The Kings were clearly not the same team after he went down, and it showed in the playoffs.  Entering the last year of his contract, all eyes will be on Dustin Penner.  Acquired in a midseason deal, he was a disappointment, and given that he doesn't utilize his size nearly enough, this could be a make or break year for him.  Given the uncertainty of the Drew Doughty contract situation, someone will have to step up as the number one defenseman if he misses time or doesn't have his game up to par.  That responsibility could fall on the shoulders of Jack Johnson, who put up a respectable 42 points.  This could be a breakout year for Johnson, particularly if Doughty struggles again like last year.

Prediction: 5th in West

Movie: Predator 2

Like the sequel, the Kings have the star power to succeed.  Where the Kings hope to change things is the actual success compared to the second Predator movie.