Los Angeles Kings Hockey Pool Predictions for 2010/2011
By Woodsey14, 19th Aug 2010 | Follow this author
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A look at the prospects for the Los Angeles Kings in the 2010/2011 NHL season.
- Los Angeles Kings Hockey Pool Predictions for 2010/2011
- Blue Chip Players
- Second Tier
- Don't Over Rate
- Potential Sleepers and Late Round Steals
- Sleepers
- Other Pages
Los Angeles Kings Hockey Pool Predictions for 2010/2011
The 2009/2010 season was one in which the L.A. Kings took a major step towards becoming legit contenders. Under Dean Lombardi's patient team building approach, the Kings have managed to put together a young and very talented core group of players led by all world defenseman Drew Doughty. For the upcoming season, I would expect the Kings to continue to develop as a team and join the upper echelon of the Western Conference.
Blue Chip Players
Forwards
Anze Kopitar- Kopitar is an elite player who is sometimes overlooked because he plays on the west coast. Last year, Kopitar appeared to figure out how t be a complete player on a night in and night out basis as he recorded a ppg of 0.99, while playing in all 82 games. People forget that he is only 23 years old and is still improving. I would expect Kopitar to build on last season's success and emerge as a top 10 scorer in the league.
Defensemen
Drew Doughty- In only 2 seasons as a pro, Doughty is beginning to establish himself as a one in a generation defenseman, and will be a perennial Norris Trophy Candidate for years to come. He's only 21 and with the King's young talent still improving his stats should continue to get better. Expect a great year from him.
Second Tier
Forwards
Dustin Brown- 25 year old physical winger who should easily top 60 points this year. The one downside is that as a 209 pound winger who hits a lot, Brown's style of play will inevitably lead to injury at some point down the road.
Alexei Ponikarovski- Ponikarovski has just complete 2 very strong seasons in which he has recorded 60 and 51 points primarily with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As LA's big free agent signing this year, I would expect Ponikarovski to be given every opportunity to succeed. 60 points would be a reasonable expectation for him.
Defensemen
Jack Johnson- Last season, in his 3rd year as a pro Johnson recorded a very respectable 36 points. Johnson has a lot of offensive upside and will the King's number two option on the powerplay. I wouldn't be at all surprised if Johnson records 45 points this season.
Goaltender
Jonothan Quick- With a new multiyear contract, the Kings have made it clear that Quick is their starter of the present. Expect him to play the bulk of the games this season.
Don't Over Rate
Forwards
Ryan Smyth- Smyth is still a productive NHL scorer, however, his style of play inevitably leads to injury. Smyth has played in all 82 games just once since 2001. He can put up points but Smyth should be considered as being very brittle.
Defensemen
Colton Teubert -Is a very good prospect of note in the organization, however, he is a longshot to make the team this season.
Goaltender
Jonathon Bernier- By all accounts Bernier will be an excellent NHL goaltender, however, the Kings have made it clear that Jonathon Quick will be their workhorse starter so Bernier will only see a lot of play if he is sent to the minors this year for another year of seasoning.
Potential Sleepers and Late Round Steals
Forwards
Michael Handzus- Based on his career, bank on Handzus scoring between 40 and 50 points. Nothing more, nothing less.
Jarret Stoll- with a ppg of 0.64 last season, it appears that Stoll has finally overcome the concussion related issues which led to a very steep decline in his offensive statistics over the past few years. Stoll has 70 point potential, as demonstrated in his Edmonton days, and at only the age of 28, he could be in for a good season.
Justin Williams- The last 3 seasons have been an absolute write-off for Williams due to a broken leg and a ruptured Achilles tendon. Williams is due for a bit of good luck. People forget that he is only 28 years old and still has the potential to approach the 70 point plateau. Drafting Williams does come with a lot of risk, however, as a late pick he does have plenty of upside.
Defensemen
None of note
Sleepers
Oscar Moller- Moller has the potential to become an impact NHL scorer. He has played well in the AHL and was a prolific scorer in junior. This will be his 3rd year as a pro and I would expect that he could become a valuable contributor to a Kings team that could use a few more offensive players.
Wayne Simmons- Many poolies will overlook Simmons since he has been labelled an energy forward. A closer look at his stats reveals that in his second year as a pro (last season) Simmons recorded 40 points in 78 games and as a junior in 07/08 he recorder 75 points in 60 games. Simmons has some offensive upside and as a 3rd year pro, he should improve on last season's statistics.
Other Pages
Don't forget to check out my Hockey Pool Prospects and Strategy page for a few extra pointers and if you enjoyed reading this, please feel free to click on one of the ads.
Team Pages
Chicago Blackhawks
Philadelphia Flyers
San Jose Sharks
Washington Capitals
Boston Bruins
Vancouver Canucks
Toronto Maple Leafs
Detroit Red Wings
Pittsburgh Penguins
Columbus Blue Jackets
New Jersey Devils
Colorado Avalanche
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