by Dan Adkisson
The Kings have been in inspired form so far this season. Following a resounding win over the Canucks at the beginning of April to push them into the playoffs, they have continued to battle the Golden Knights and Oilers for division playoff spots as we close in on the business end of the season.
As one of the top-performing teams in the Western Conference this season, there have been several big plays from some of their star players.
Below, we will explore some of the highlights and incredible plays that have propelled the LA Kings to the division’s loftier positions this season. The Kings were considered a dark horse this year, they weren’t ranking high in the betting odds, but some shrewd analysts had them as value for money, and they’re laughing now.
One of those attentive analysts was none other than NHL legend Brett Hull. The NHL lines site Betway provides a range of markets for NHL games and individual markets.
Below are some of the amazing plays that helped the LA Kings get to where they are this season:
Anze Kopitar’s season
You’ll need no introduction to the legendary Slovenian if you’re a Kings fan. Although Kopitar will likely be reaching the end of his playing days in the coming years, there’s no denying his incredible career and the astonishing ability he has demonstrated during his time on the West Coast.
His stats and achievements should vault him into being a sure-fire Hall of Famer and one of the most beloved Kings players to ever put on the black and white jersey.
Heading into his 17th year as a Kings center, some naysayers may have thought that the left-handed shooter would be on the slide as he enters the twilight of his distinguished career. However, this was not the case. Instead, his form has been electric as usual, and many of the best plays from the LA Kings this season have come via the talismanic Slovenian.
Kopitar vs The Jets
Notching up a sixth career hat trick is an impressive record, but from somebody like Kopitar, it is expected. However, The Jets were on the receiving end of his blistering form, as they have been many times over the years.
Rather than showing any sign of a potential decline, watching him score another career hat trick against the Winnipeg Jets was fantastic. He once again proved why is one of the most underrated players in the game and showed that he probably has several seasons of excellent form left in him.
On the road against Seattle Kraken
As Brett Hull has alluded, the Seattle Kraken have had quite a turbulent season. At times they have looked solid, and when they’re firing on all cylinders, they can be a tough night for anyone.
However, the LA Kings are playing with inspired form this year and have been remarkably consistent over the second half of the season. The solid, professional display they showcased has been a hallmark of their season. Goaltender Pheonix Copley has proven to be one of the season’s bargains, and this game was probably the best example.
Not only could his performance in this game be up there with the top plays this season, but the LA Kings getting him on board could be one of the top roster moves of the entire season for any team.
Korpisalo vs Colorado
Whenever a team has a fantastic season, the sum of the parts is more significant than individual performances. However, it must be said that without these unique performances, there are vital moments where the Kings wouldn’t have emerged victorious.
Kopitar has proven this on many occasions from an offence perspective, as mentioned above. However, Joonas Korpisalo’s save against Colorado was symptomatic of a more significant level of quality that the Kings have operated on this season.
Colorado is a good team with a proven track record, and the Kings sailed past the challenge resoundingly. The save towards the end of the game by Korpisalo was one of the best plays of the whole season.
Conclusion
The LA Kings have had an inspired campaign, and it will be interesting to see how far they go in the playoffs after qualifying so emphatically.
The last time they lifted the Stanley Cup was in 2014, so Todd McLellan will be eager to use the form and the incredible plays from this year to project the team into the conversation as potential Stanley Cup challengers.
There will most likely be some cautious optimism from the West Coast club, and if they can harness the sort of form that Korpisalo and Kopitar have been channeling for the best part of six months, they will be a tough team to beat.