Are The Kings The Most Dangerous Team In The NHL?

Jonathan Quick is a consistent goaltender between the pipes for the Los Angeles Kings

During the free-agency period, the Kings were able to secure to major factors in what could be a Stanley Cup winning year for the Los Angeles natives.

Mike Richards, the former captain of the Philadelphia Flyers, made his way over to the Kings after the Flyers traded him in order to clear ample space for their newly acquired goaltender, Ilya Bryzgalov. Richards, who has rarely missed a game in the past three seasons with Philadelphia has posted 208 points from the 08-09 season up till his final skate in Philadelphia.

Richards was always under scrutiny from the Flyers fans, who deemed him an unfit captain to lead the Flyers to the Stanley Cup. The Flyers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 2009-10 season. Richards ability to score goals and help lead a young and talented Kings squad could prove effective in the long run.

Another player added this offseason to the Kings was Simon Gagne, who was signed as a free agent from the Tampa Bay Lightning. Gagne, who has been plagued by injuries the past several years, has shown flashes of his old self when he is healthy. In an injury shortened 2010 season with the Lightning, Gagne had 17 goals and 23 assists. His career high in points was in 2005 with the Flyers where Gagne played 72 games and recorded 79 points (47 G, 32 A).

Where Gagne really helps out though is in the playoffs, where he always seems to come through with a clutch goal to help send his team through to the next game. This past post-season, Gagne tallied 12 points in 15 games with the Lightning. In 09-10, Gagne scored 12 points in 19 games with the Flyers.

If Gagne is able to heal up and remain healthy for an entire season, then he could be a dangerous scoring threat from the left-wing when paired up with his other scoring capable Kings teammates.

Then, you take a look at the cast surrounding these two new players, and it almost seems certain that the depth they have will be sure to produce thoroughly in the coming seasons.

The leader of the Kings, Dustin Brown, put up 57 points in 82 games for the Kings. He seemingly disappeared in the playoffs though, and the Kings will need him to continue to produce in high pressure situations. Anze Koptiar was having a career year before breaking his ankle during a game. In 75 games, he had accumulated 25 goals and 48 assists. He was not able to make it back for the playoffs which is something the team really could have used. A healthy Kopitar could be another added weapon come playoff time. Jarret Stoll is a consistent 40 point man for the Kings. In the past three seasons, Stoll has 41,47 and 43 points. His production will need to continue if the Kings want to bring the Cup back to L.A. Justin Williams is also another player who has shown a scoring touch for the Kings, notching 57 points this past year, his most productive season yet since returning from two injury shortened seasons.

On the defensive end of things, the Kings will need to resign restricted free agent Drew Doughty. He has become an important part of this Kings defense, and they need him on the blue line in order to regulate the speed of the game and break down the opposing teams play. Doughty recorded 40 points this past season. He is only 21 years old, and any team looking for a strong defenseman would love to try to gain his services. The Kings will need to act fast to lock up this young talented star.

Jack Johnson has also shown he has what it takes to play on the blue line for the Kings. Johnson recorded 42 points for Los Angeles last season, with a bulk of those points coming in the form of assists. A defenseman with the ability to shoot the puck, but also dish out assists is a key skill that will only help the Kings in the future.

Rob Scuderi, who spent most of his time with the Penguins before coming over to the Kings in the 09-10 season. Though he does not put up dramatically high numbers of points, he rarely misses games. His skill on the blue line and shot blocking ability have been important for the Kings.

One of the strongest points of the Kings comes in the form of goaltending. Jonathan Quick has been consistent since the day he started, posting a 2.24 GAA this past season. At only 25 years old, he still has room to develop into a powerhouse for not only the Kings, but for USA hockey in the Olympics. His backup, Jonathan Bernier, has also shown he has the ability so step in and play shut down hockey in Quicks absence. He had a 2.48 GAA in 25 games this season, finishing with a record of 11-8.

The Kings have depth. They have players who can score the puck, as well as stop the attack. Goaltending is also a solid part of the Kings game. If they are able to gel into one cohesive unit, there is a strong likelihood that the Kings could make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals. Should they be able to keep the ball rolling at that point, there is no doubt in my mind that the Kings have what it takes to bring Lord Stanley back to L.A.

Want to wage your opinion? Please feel free to comment on any posts and express your opinion whether you agree or disagree, or anything else on your mind in the world of hockey.

Flyers acquire Jagr after other teams withdraw

Jaromir Jagr could have an instrumental role with the Philadelphia Flyers next season.

The Philadelphia Flyers have pulled the trigger on the former KHL star, Jaromir Jagr. The contract is for 1 year – 3.3 million dollars.

Both the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings withdrew their offers to Jagr because of the untimely response, as well as making this signing a “circus.” The Pens had an offer of 1 year – 2 million dollars presented to the Czech.

Jagr has been playing for Avangard Omsk of the KHL, but made it clear at the end of the season he wanted to return to the NHL for one final run at the Stanley Cup before ultimately retiring. He wanted to play with a Cup contender, and the Flyers are perennially a contender to win it all every year.

With the addition of younger, faster talent, as well as a reliable number one goalie in Ilya Bryzgalov, the Flyers hold their own future in this hands. Veteran leadership mixed with young talent can prove to be a deadly combination for any team facing the Flyers on any given night.

Jagr does not obviously have the speed he once possessed, but he is still able to shot the puck and score goals. He is also an accurate passer who could do wonder for Giroux or JVR if he plays on the first line with them. The risk-reward factor for a 1 year contract is enough to make the Flyers want to wander down this road.

The Flyers will also use Jagr on their power-play, which struggled for most of the regular season. Jagr will most likely play on the lower circles and slide in front of the net for a quick shot. He is also valuable when they cycle the puck as he will be able to get out in front and snap a shot quickly. Just because his speed may be slower, doesn’t mean his shot is.

He possesses the power to score 20-30 goals this season, and can provide valuable help to the younger talent.

* The Flyers have also signed Defenseman Andreas Lilja, as well as agreed to a contract extension with Jakub Voracek*

Want to wage your opinion? Please feel free to comment on any posts and express your opinion whether you agree or disagree, or anything else on your mind in the world of hockey.