By Bobby Berger
After losing 7 straight and falling out of playoff contention prior to the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Kings have since won 7 of their last 10 and made a playoff push. The Kings now sit in the eighth and final playoff spot in the West with six games remaining. The standings are tight however with 5th and 10th places only separated by a few points.
Let’s recap the last few weeks. After losing 7 straight the Kings did what they could in selling future UFA’s and traded stalwarts Aaron Ness (to Ottawa) and Ryane Clowe (to Toronto). In so doing, the Kings picked up 3 future 2nds, a 3rd, a solid D man for this season in Justin Holl, and about 3.5 million dollars.
After the trade the Kings went on a tear lead by youngster Riley Tufte. Tufte took over the minutes that had previously been given to Clowe and he has not disappointed. In his last 9 games, he has 5 goals and 3 assists, sitting at 27 goals on the season in his rookie year. Additionally Viktor Faith has stormed back from injury and currently sits tied for 3rd in the FNHL at 34 wins, despite missing almost a month with an injury.
The Kings will need to keep winning to make the playoffs, but regardless, they have made the last quarter of the season exciting for their fans.
Go Kings Go!
6/17/2022 - 235 words
