Los Angeles Kings Season So Far Grade F
Despite massive retooling in the offseason, these Kings might be worse than last season's dismal 68-point crew. Sub-par goaltending and inefficient team defense are too much for their fourth-ranked offense to overcome.
The Skinny
MVP: Dustin Brown. A breakthrough season for the old-school power forward who ranks first in hits by a mile (224 to Trent Hunter's 166) and 14th in goals (24).
BEYOND EXPECTATIONS: Patrick O'Sullivan. Sophomore center has taken some big steps in the first half, and has fit comfortably into the first line spot during Mike Cammalleri time on the IR.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT: Goaltending. It's hard to believe that GM Dean Lombardi believed the duo of Jason LaBarbera and J-S Aubin made for an NHL-caliber combo. The Kings lead the NHL in the dubious category of in-game goalie changes (10). The netminders are not getting much help, though. The Kings allow a conference-worst 31.3 shots-against per game.
HARDWARE HOPEFULS: None
Playoff Prognosis
Barring a miracle of Manchesterian proportions -- something on the order of winning 27 of their final 33 games -- their energy's best spent on maximizing opportunities at the trade deadline.
Western Conference Midterm Grades (SI.com) 
