After a torrid pace, which saw the Los Angeles Kings go 6-2-2 including a win over perennial powerhouse Montreal and times against league leading New York Rangers and Nashville Predators, the Kings have come crashing back down to Earth, losing 4 or 5 in a stretch which had them play 5 games in 5 days.
The Kings also lost star young defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere for at least 2 months due to a facial injury sustained during during a 2-1 win over San Jose. This was quite the blow to the young defense.
With all of this going on, GM Berger has started working the phones. Some of the team's veteran players may be on the hot seat, or there may be an upsurge from guys like Dan Ellis, who has been patiently awaiting his return to the pros.
Either way, there will be a shake up in the lines in order to try and jumpstart the team. Ryane Clowe will be shuffled up to the first line in order to try and solidify the defense there. The solid 3rd line of Noesen, Zegras, and Clowe will have to be broken up and have a slumping Taylor Raddysh added to it. LA Hope's pairing last years ROY with a current ROY contender Trevor Zegras will be the boost Raddysh needs.
We shall see how this next few weeks shake out in order to determine if LA will be buyers or sellers at the deadline.
