2006 Los Angeles Kings Preview

2006 Los Angeles Kings Preview from Maddux Sports. With the NHL Hockey Season now is the time to get aquatinted with the 2006 teams and players. Remember if you are NHL hockey betting look no further, as we offer hockey picks and can help you turn a profit betting on the NHL this season.

2006 Los Angeles Kings Hockey Season Preview

The Kings did not make the playoffs last season, missing the grade by six points. Luc Robitaille has retired but there’s some exciting new talent in the picture. But can this year’s Kings sneak into the playoffs?

The offense, which tied for 17th in the league last season, was led by defenseman Lubomir Visnovsky (17 G, 50 A, 67 Pts) and center Craig Conroy (22 G, 44 A, 66 Pts). Conroy offers consistent play while line mate Alexander Frolov (21 G, 23 A, 54 Pts) has talent but is unpredictable. Winger Michael Cammalleri (26 G, 29A, 55 Pts) needs to continue the impressive play of his 2005-06 breakout season. Free agent forwards Alyn McCauley, Scott Thorton and Brian Willsie are all hard working, quality players added in July.

Too many penalties led to too many penalty kills. This team was the worst in the league on the kill (78.7%). Free agent Rob Blake (14 G, 37 A, 51 Pts), one of the best two-way defensemen in the NHL, has been added to help in all areas, including the kill. Teaming him with the highly skilled Visnovsky will help the Kings’ defense greatly. Rated 23rd last year, it must improve.

In goal, LA has a history of weak play. The last quality guy in net for the Kings was Kelly Hrudey who played for the team in the 90’s. Vancouver’s Dan Cloutier (13 GP, 8 W. 3 L, 1 OT, 3.17 GAA, .892 SP) joins the club for this season. Cloutier, if he can stay healthy, will be an upgrade from last year’s tandem of Mathieu Garon and Jason LaBarbera.

The Kings tied for 28th in the power play in 2005-06. If this team can better both their power play and penalty kill, get good goaltending and find more output from their second and third lines, you’ll see a more accomplished club. Still, it will be tough for the Kings to finish in the money.

For more information on the 2006 Los Angeles Hockey Club check out the Kings team website.