Westgarth’s hands aren’t just for punching

Meet Kevin Westgarth, playoff performer. In 56 regular-season games, Westgarth had three assists and 105 penalty minutes in his role as the Kings’ enforcer. In the five games of this first-round playoff series, Westgarth has two assists, including a skilled pass to Dustin Penner that led to the Kings’ third goal in Game 5. Westgarth has been noticeably more active and confident in the offensive zone, and Westgarth played almost eight minutes in Game 5, a total he rarely approached in the regular season.

Westgarth’s hands, particularly his punching (right) hand, are a bit gnarled. After practice today, the always good-natured Westgarth spoke of his new role, with Jarret Stoll and Dustin Penner, and joked about his hands…

WESTGARTH: “Armor on the back, and just marshmallow-soft on the front. That’s the idea. That’s the way I always try to play. [smiles] It’s great to get out there with those guys. I think we did click pretty well. Everybody is just going 100-percent right now, so it’s just fun to be a part of. It was great to see that effort last night, and we look forward to doing it at home tomorrow night.”