LA Kings: Are You Ready for the Start of the Season?

Can it be, the LA Kings are actually favored by NHL experts. How is this possible? The Kings had been the laughing stock of the league for so long it's hard to believe they could actually be favored to win anything. But there you go, Pierre LeBrun of ESPN says we will win the Pacific Division. I don't think a Kings team has been ranked this high since the days of Gretzky.

10. No 'I' in team
The Kings are a team. They are a tight-knit group. Many teams claim this, but not all actually are.

"A few years ago, only one or two players trained here in the summer. Now these guys all train together here in the summer," Lombardi said during Kings camp. "I've got a room that cares, there's no doubt in my mind."

That chemistry is a likely product of Lombardi's careful and patient rebuilding.

"We really got put together slowly but surely," Kopitar said. "Every guy on our team has a role, and that's really important. We don't rely on one or two guys. We are a team. That's what made us successful last year, and hopefully we can build on that and go further than we did."

PREDICTION: The Kings will win the Pacific Division and reach at least the second round of the playoffs. This roster isn't done improving. Look for GM Dean Lombardi to add another piece or two before the March trade deadline.

On top of that, TSN is running their annual team previews and they have the Kings ranked as one of the top 5 teams in the league. Go here to see it.

By the way, there are plenty of great blogs to read about the Kings, especially Rich Hammond's official Kings blog LA Kings Insider, but I wanted to make a special gesture to point you all to one of my favorite blogs called Surly & Scribe (LA Kings News). It's always a fun read. Besides, Surly happens to be my seat neighbor during home games, so be sure to check them out.

Go Kings Go!

Hat Tip: Surly & Scribe: