From Prince to King?

LOS ANGELES KINGS


2009-2010 record: 46-27-9 (101 points)
Lost to Vancouver in 1st round 4-2
Captain: Dustin Brown
Alternate Captains: Matt Greene, Anze Kopitar

3 players to watch: The centerpiece of the Kings' youth movement is Anze Kopitar.  His offensive numbers led the team by over 20 points.  It's possible that he might be the only sure thing on offense this year, but he has also shown an inclination to improve on his two-way game.  Even with last year's breakout season, the pressure remains on Jonathan Quick.  The glut of young goaltenders waiting in the wings sees Quick needing to do even better this year because if he doesn't, former 1st round pick Jonathan Bernier is ready to take the starting job.  One guy to look for to have a great season is Wayne Simmonds.  A third liner a year ago, he adapted well to his role and the demands of the NHL.  Now, he will be elevated to the first two lines, where he will be expected to produce.

Things to look for: The biggest question for the Kings is where the secondary offense will come from.  There was a reason why the Kings were looking into signing Ilya Kovalchuk this offseason.  Look for Los Angeles to get some of their kids more involved in the offense.  The blue line is solid and is in good hands for the next few years.  Any team that can boast a future star (Jack Johnson) and a superstar at 20 (Drew Doughty) certainly looks good on paper.  Throw in reliable, stay at home types in Matt Greene and Rob Scuderi and the Kings look ready here.  Goaltending looks solid, even though Quick is essentially in a fight to keep his hold on the starting job.  Bernier had an excellent showing in his three game trial and Erik Ersberg, last year's backup, does have some ability.  The biggest question is what to do with Brayden Schenn.  The team's top prospect is ready to be on the NHL squad, but because of salary issues and the team's want to have him develop more, where he ends up when the season starts is a question.  When he does join the Kings, he should help out.

Prediction: 4th in the West

Song: The Gathering-Adrenaline

Something about this song (especially the beginning) reminds me of the Kings' rise to where they are now.  Like the song itself, there is no shortage of energy in the Kings, and it will show this season.