Conspiracy of Hope

The NHL, no, the world is conspiring against Los Angeles.  The Lakers were poised to possibly secure championship number seventeen, thus tying the much maligned Celtics.  The Los Angeles Dodgers were expected to make a title run as well.  In addition, the Kings, while pretty far from winning a title, were still playing their best hockey in several years.  All stymied by the covid 19.  

The Kings, for the first time this year were playing darn good hockey.  Actually, it was really really good.  I was enjoying the games.  Not only was I enjoying watching the development of young players, but I was enjoying the competition of the game.  The Kings had a legitimate chance to win every night.  To be fair, the Kings were competitive in a large number of games, but up until recently, the theme for this season has been, "We Can't Win."  Things have changed.

Seven wins in a row against the league's bottom dwellers would have been spectacular.  Better yet, we beat Pittsburgh, Toronto, Vegas, Colorado, and Minnesota in that stretch.  These are all quality teams.  In addition, we beat an Ottawa club that has had our number in recent history.  The team has found success in part, by building scoring depth.

For a while now, we have had some promising young players.  The difference is that they are beginning to find the back of the net now.  I have to start with Gabriel Villardi.  The kid knows how to score.  He scored prolifically in the OHL, and now is showing the same touch and goal sense amongst the big boys.  Let's hope he can stay healthy.  Moore has shown that despite his leaf in the wind like presence, he can play the game and can finish when given the opportunity.  

I must also give kudos to the coaching staff, as pairing Kempe and Lizotte together has been fantastic.  The combination of speed timing and Lizotte's infectious tenacity has made this line, with Lewis, Frk, or whomever, a pain in the royal arse for opponents.  I have to give Kempe the most improved player of the year award too.  I am duly impressed with how far he has come.

Defensively, I see a great deal of promise and growth, but as a team, they Kings are still giving up too many chances.  Thankfully, both Quick and Peterson have been on point.  The Pittsburgh game was an interesting example of this.  In the third period, Crosby and co. came out and showed why they are one of the best teams in the world.  The pressure, speed, and skill were impressive but largely fruitless.  McLellan is right on when he mentions giving up too many chances.  

I makes me sad that Hockey ended so abruptly, but it was the right move.  I guess, as fans, we have entered the summer earlier than we had hoped, but at least we know that this team can score.  With a little improvement defensively, and the continued development of prospects, Clague and Turcotte most notably, the team's future looks pretty bright.  Maybe, just maybe, this team can give our vets another run at a cup.  I sure hope so.  

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