In one of the most improbable playoff runs ever, the Los Angeles Kings are the 2012 Stanley Cup champions.
The Kings captured Lord Stanley’s mug in impressive fashion. As an eighth seed, they went a combined 16-4 through four rounds, knocking off the West’s top three seeds (Vancouver, St. Louis and Phoenix) in the process.
But hey, that was minutes ago. Let’s start looking to the future!
Next season, the Kings essentially return all the key components from this cup run. Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter are locked up long term and it’s expected GM Dean Lombardi will soon begin work on extending the contract of Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Quick.
The team seemed to find its groove under head coach Darryl Sutter and have become one of the most dominant Cup winners of all time.
So, we ask…are the Kings poised to repeat as Cup champs?
Vote in our poll and let us know.
-
Getty Images
It might be tough to gauge the right price for him.
-
Getty Images
That phrase is more fun than “turning the other cheek.”
-
Getty Images
Just ask Bryan Bickell.
-
Getty Images
Did Chicago just flip the switch?
-
Getty Images
He’s clearly embracing the role of underdog.
-
Report: Canucks ask Leafs permission to interview Eakins for head coaching gig
May 25, 2013, 10:29 PM EDT
He’s been the head coach of AHL Toronto since 2009.
-
Getty Images
Detroit’s goalie made some especially challenging ones.
-
Getty Images
Finally.
-
Getty Images
At least he’s still rich and handsome.
-
Getty Images
He also thinks the Rangers faced an identity crisis.
-
Getty Images
No other defenseman has four goals in first five playoff games.
-
Getty Images
Jarome Iginla’s name might come up.
-
Getty Images
Torey Krug might eat for free in Boston.
-
Getty Images
He took a puck and maybe a stick to the kisser.
-
Getty Images
Impressive flash of the glove by Hank.
-
Getty Images
New York Rangers forward was stirring the pot for a while.
-
Getty Images
Looks like Dougie Hamilton is the odd man out.
-
Getty Images
He’s been out with a broken hand.
-
Getty Images
He avoided a fight in Game 4.
-
Getty Images
Desperation calls for tinkering.
-
Play
Video: Highlights: Blackhawks stay alive
-
Play
Video: Bickell blasts Kronwall
-
Play
Video: Toews scores first goal of the playoffs
-
Play
Video: Howard with a couple of tremendous saves in Game 5
-
Play
Video: Highlights: Bruins move onto Eastern Conference finals
-
Play
Video: Lundqvist takes one away from Lucic
