It’s tough to stay engaged in the hockey season when your team seems like it’s taking a little break in the middle of the season. The biggest difference between this season and last season? This year the break is mandated by the schedule. Last year, the Kings just took a break in December, but lost all their games as they sleepwalked into the new year, effectively destroying any realistic chance of making the playoffs. Not this year. The Kings are solidly ensconced at the top of the Pacific Division, and while the break does give some teams time to close the gap and even pass the Kings, they’re in a great position to make the playoffs.
A couple things to note quickly:
- As expected, Ryan Smyth is back! He’s been practicing on the top line with Kopitar and Williams just as they played all year (when they’re healthy). Knock on wood, if they stay healthy, this line could recreate some of the magic that saw the Kings off to their blazing start to the season.
- As completely unexpected, Wayne Simmonds is back! Yea, he’s had surgery a week ago on his knee, and while it was a relatively minor procedure, it was still expected that he’d be out for a good while. It’s a fortunate surprise that he’s back and able to apply his grit and determination to this squad. It takes a place away from a youngster, but what the heck, Simmonds IS a youngster, and is still one of the most heart and soul players on this team.
That’s all for now. Any other surprises people are seeing? Anyone we should be watching in the rear view mirror for during this break?