By Bobby Berger
The Los Angeles Kings are squarely back in the playoff hunt, currently sitting at 5th in the Western Conference. Their play was sparked by a league wide article which projected them to miss the playoffs. This version of the Kings has been an incredibly streaky team. Zooming out early in the season, then coming crashing back to earth. LA currently is in a more modest upward trajectory.
Since acquiring center Jack Eichel in a deal with Toronto, the Kings are 5-2-3. During this 10 game speech, Eichel has had 3 goals and 5 assists. The real impact has come on the defensive side however, where the Kings have played in a plethora of 2-1 games.
Speaking of speaking teams and players, the Kings AHL franchise, the Manchester (don't call me Ontario) Monarchs are 2 points out of the Western Division lead in points. They are anchored by Roby Jarventine, who leads the AHL in scoring despite having played in 4 fewer games than his teammates. Jarventine just hit the 40 goal mark for the first time in his professional career. He is making noise in the hopes of a late season call up. The rest of his teammates have not been far behind. The Monarchs have 9 players out of the top 26 in the league. They will have to keep up that blistering pace if they hope to chase down an AHL championship.
Exciting times abound!
11/13/2023 - 236 words
