But the Los Angeles Kings have figured it out, if only because it's hard not to when you're last overall and all but mathematically eliminated from the race. Besides, before they headed to the East Coast for a long trip last week, their general manager made it known there is much to choose from on the roster for teams looking to trade.
Los Angeles' most attractive target is veteran defenseman Rob Blake, but he's out for a couple of weeks, so the traveling Kings figured to be easy points for teams fighting for playoff spots. Instead, L.A. has been playing without any pressure and has gone 4-2-1, including a dramatic come-from-behind win in Detroit against the league's best team when the Kings scored four in the third period.
The Kings are one of the league's youngest teams and have a lot of offensive firepower led by players like Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown and Mike Cammalleri. Several veteran free agents like Michal Handzus and Ladislav Nagy haven't worked out that well, and they'll be available as well, but the real problem for Los Angeles all season has been in goal.
It's an issue GM Dean Lombardi might be able to fix for the future at the trade deadline, but in the meantime, the Kings are doing what spoilers are supposed to.
Playoff clubs should stay alert for spoilers (CBS Sportsline) 
