Thread: How the Kings Were Built

How the LA Kings Became Stanley Cup Champions | The Hockey Pulse

Pretty good read and a detailed analysis of the trials and tribulations of Dean Lombardi. Although the video of Dan Cloutier rekindled some bad, bad memories that I had stored in the depths of my mind. Figured Kings fans starving for hockey news may want to give it a read. Enjoy!

I didn't read through the whole thing, but good article. That picture of Kopi after the injury in the Colorado game in 2011 was just horrifying.

I ran into Luc Robitaille in the gym at the MGM Grand at last year's Frozen Fury. We talked for a couple of minutes. He commented about how disappointing 2010-11 was but refused to use Kopi's injury as an excuse for the team's early exit against San Jose in the playoffs. He said that the team simply wasn't deep enough and cited the acquisitions of Richards and Gagne as having added significant depth to the team -- particularly at the center position. His focus was on putting a winning team on the ice for the fans. After Gagne got injured and the team struggled through the first half-plus of the season, I recalled my conversation with Luc and thought about how bad he must feel. But then when it all came together in the playoffs, I really felt happy for him in light of the optimism he had for this season (among other things).

I think it shows you just how much character this team had in 2010-11 when they nearly defeated the Sharks. They lost a couple of games in OT (and losing that big lead certainly blew), but to do what they did without Kopitar was a good character building moment for the Kings.

As horrible as Beach Ball was and as bad a taste I have in my mouth from watching him again, I have to wonder how he would have done playing behind the 2011 - 2012 Kings defense. The D was pretty sucky when he was here.

I don't think the Kings would make it as far as they did had they still had Cloutier (or LaBarbara or Garon) in net. Remember, Cloutier was playing behind a very good Vancouver team and they didn't go anywhere until they got rid of him and brought in Luongo.

Felix Potvin behind this defense would have probably seen a bit more success. Now Cechmanek or Brust or Fukufuji behind this defense would make for an interesting site. Thankfully we will never have to find out!

LOL at the story of Bernier's brother showing off the puck he scored with against him.

Cup bro!

WHAT ?!?!?! This guy gets no credit ?

That's a blast from the past. Whatever happened to PuckMonkey? Anyone remember this gem?

I can accept Lombardi getting Dan Cloutier, but bringing back Blake? Booooo!

But it doesn't really matter because we won the cup!