GAME 1 IS UPON US. It’s playoff time again, and, lo, there will video previews on each game day. Here, Daryl Evans and I weigh in on several topics surrounding puck management and leadership, and how they’ll affect the early part of the series at T-Mobile Arena./
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BONUS VIDEO. Courtesy of NHL Network, here’s a break down of the Kings-Golden Knights series:
Born: September 13, 1996
Birthplace: Kramfors, SWE
Position: LW
Handedness: Left
Kempe was selected by the Kings in the first round (29th overall) in the 2014 NHL Draft.
Born: December 21, 1993
Birthplace: Eden, NY, USA
Position: C
Handedness: Left
Iafallo was signed by the Kings as an unrestricted free agent on April 18, 2017.
Born: August 24, 1987
Birthplace: Jesenice, SVN
Position: C
Handedness: Left
As the 11th overall pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Kopitar became the first Slovenian to play in the NHL. Kopitar has spent his entire NHL career with the Kings, and following the 2015–16 season, was named the Kings’ captain. Noted for both his offensive and defensive play, Kopitar was awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy as the best defensive forward in the NHL in 2016.
Born: December 8, 1989
Birthplace: London, ON, CAN
Position: D
Handedness: Right
Bio: Doughty is a Canadian defenceman who was selected second overall by the Kings in the 2008 Draft. Doughty made his NHL debut in 2008 as an 18-year-old and was named to the All-Rookie Team. He is a two-time Stanley Cup champion with the Kings, a two-time Olympic gold medallist with the Canadian national team, and a Norris Trophy finalist.
Born: January 1, 1985
Birthplace: London, ON, CAN
Position: C
Handedness: Right
Carter began his hockey career playing in the Ontario Hockey League in Canada before joining the AHL and playing for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was then traded to the Colombus Blue jackets before joining the LA Kings in 2012, where he has since won two Stanley Cups with the Kings.
Born: January 21, 1986
Birthplace: Milford, CT, USA
Position: G
Handedness: Left
Bio: Quick is the current goaltender for the LA Kings and was selected by Los Angeles at the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. Previously, Quick was a silver medalist with USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics. He’s won two Stanley Cup championships with the Kings, along with being the most recent goaltender to be awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs.
