In the past, I have been critical of the Los Angeles Kings for playing below expectations this year. One obvious exception to all of this has been Jonathan Quick, and now that the Kings are finally playing like the Stanley Cup contenders many thought they would be before the season began, it should be noted that Quick is even more of a threat. If you remember Tim Thomas from last season's playoffs, this is exactly where the Kings are heading, only this time, they are the eight seed. Seeding is a deceptive tool, as the Kings were playing some of their best hockey down the stretch, and clearly, Quick has been at the center of it all. Now, the rest of the team is catching up, and there's no telling if either the Coyotes or Predators will be able to stop the Kings' run to the Finals. Players like Dustin Brown, Jeff Carter, and Dustin Penner (yes, that Dustin Penner) are contributing, and who knows, if the Kings win it all, will Penner get an endorsement to sell Aunt Jemina's Pancakes? I'd buy it.
