Why the Kings Will Win the Cup

Many call the run the Kings are currently on a hot streak or even a miracle as an eight seed.  In reality it's a combination of building an organization, playing the right brand of hockey for today's game, and peaking at the right time.  The regular season is a grind that teams try to survive.  There are ups and downs and the Kings have had no shortage of those with firing their coach in the middle of the season and even trade talks involving their captain Dustin Brown.  This all seems like a distant memory now as the Kings are poised to make an unprecedented Stanley Cup run, but let's lay out the reasons they are in this position.

 

Key Free Agent Signings

The Kings brought on some high level talent and proven playoff performers in the off season.  They have continually picked up players that needed a change of scenery and the energy of a young, up and coming team like Kings.  That is why players like Mike Richards, Jeff Carter, and Dustin Penner fit in and eventually found ways to contribute.  These guys have all had success with other teams.  If you have an organization that understands how to put the pieces in the right place, you have success.  The Kings, led by new coach Darryl Sutter, have figured this out and are currently reaping the rewards.

 

Goaltending

Some teams strike gold with free agent signings at this position, but long term success comes from getting young goalies in your system and letting the develop their physical skills as well as their mental strength.  Jonathan Quick is no different, even playing games for the Kings ECHL team.  Their guys do their time and must prove that they belong.  They work hard and know what it takes to get to the top because they have already done by climbing through the minor league ranks.  Combine this situation with some talented players and you will find yourself with solid goaltending for years to come.

 

Excellent Farm System

15 players on the Kings playoff roster were either drafted and went straight to the Kings or played in their farm system.  The Kings organization took it's time and built a franchise from the ground up.  They have the right pieces in place and know what to expect from each one of them.  This is great scouting, excellent coaching and talent management, and players working hard to make their dreams come true.  It's a group of guys that has gone through it all together and will always sacrifice for the good of the team.

 

High Pace of Play

This is the most important key to the Kings success this postseason.  The Kings play faster than any other team in this years playoffs.  I'm talking about non stop forchecking, relentless pressure in the defensive zone, making hits and getting right back in the play, getting a defenseman in the rush every time, every player keeping their feet moving whenever they are on the ice, and let's face it, speed kills.  You do not get a rest when playing the Kings.  They are led by their energizer bunny captain Dustin Brown, but it filters it's way down through every man on the roster.  No other team plays like this and therefore cannot withstand this pressure.  There is always talk of the playoffs stepping up another level.  The Kings step it up three levels.  They are quicker, faster, and seemingly want it more than any other team.

It feels right when the best team to make the playoffs wins the Cup.  The Kings are without question the best team this year's playoffs. I fully expect the LA Kings to hoist the Stanley Cup and it should be a fun ride watching the rest of the way.

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