Monday morning links: March 30

GRANTLAND
Katie Baker: The Roomies
-This is what you’d call a “must read” piece, if you haven’t already taken a look. Willie and Megan Mitchell, as you’re probably already well aware, have taken first overall pick Aaron Ekblad in as a member of their family during the 19-year-old’s rookie season. From more on Ekblad’s perspective, I spoke with him while we were in South Florida last month.

LA TIMES
Lisa Dillman: With seven games left, Kings’ playoff picture remains in flux
-Here’s another reminder (mine, not Lisa’s) that teams that make the playoffs will do so under their own merit, not because of the remaining schedule. Teams that make the playoffs deserve to be in; teams that don’t, don’t.

DAILY NEWS
Elliott Teaford: Who will come out of NHL’s Eastern Conference to play for the Stanley Cup?
-Could it be Tampa Bay? One anonymous player thinks it could be Tampa Bay.

WASHINGTON POST
Neil Greenberg: Los Angeles Kings will be dangerous in the playoffs, if they get in
-An analytics-based reminder that the Kings are still very capable of an extended run… if they can, you know, make the playoffs.

HOCKEY’S FUTURE
Jason Lewis: Kings’ Euro and NCAA prospects feeling the growing pains in 2014-15
-North Dakota defenseman Paul LaDue is the only Kings prospect to make the Frozen Four; I’ve heard that Los Angeles will make an effort to sign both him and St. Cloud State forward Jonny Brodzinski, though that’s ultimately a decision that’ll come down to the two individuals. LaDue is putting the final touches on his 22-year-old sophomore season; Brodzinski’s 21-year-old junior season recently ended at the hands of LaDue and North Dakota. Brittany Patko at Mayor’s Manor also has a handy prospect guide.

More: Darryl Sutter answers questions following iconic sports moments (JFTC) | Could a robot write post-game recaps? (New Yorker) | Many hockey helmets may actually be unsafe (ESPN.com) | The Great One on great players (ESPN.com)