Sochi 2014: Los Angeles Kings In The Winter Olympics

So the Los Angeles Kings has six guys playing for their respective countries at the XXII Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The group stage has ended and the tournament is set. So let us see how the LA Kings’ Olympians have fared before they get into the Medal Round.

Dustin Brown, USA, 3 games played, Goals 1, Assists 1

So is his slump over? Probably not, but he is active out there in just under 12 minutes per game. By comparison, if he was in a Kings uniform, he would be grabbing one point every 3.5 games, so this is a good start for Brown so far.

Drew Doughty, Canada, 3 games played, Goals 4, Assists 1

The most popular man in Canada is Drew Doughty.  He was already having a good Olympics, but today he beat Finland all by himself. Okay, maybe he had some help, but his two goals, especially the game winner in overtime was big. With a single shot, Doughty got Canada a third-place finish in the stage round to set up potential semi-final match with the USA.

Jeff Carter, Canada, 3 games played, Goals 3, Assists 1

Okay, seriously, Go Canada! and Go USA! (which ever suits your fancy), my question is, are the Kings going to bring this fire back to LA? I hope they do because they have been really good. Carter was the hero for Canada’s 6-0 destruction of Austria as he netted himself an Olympic hat trick. Right now, Canada definietley seems to be the team to beat, despite Sweden getting the #1 spot in the medal round (they had a soft stage).

Anze Kopitar, Slovenia, 3 Games played, Goals 1, Assists 1

There has not been much to root for, but Kopitar did lead Slovenia to their 1^st-ever Olympic win, as they beat Slovakia, 3-1. It is not like Slovenia is stocked with talent, but they do have the talent of Kopitar. He is second on the team in Time On the Ice, so he is a major player for the team. Unfortunately, Slovenia is not full of NHL talent like Canada and the USA. Still, Go Kopi!

Jonathan Quick, USA, 2 games played, Goals Against 3, Saves 51, Save % 94.4

Controversial and in top form. I do not think Jonathan Quick would have it any other way. In the game against Russia, a goal was waved off as it showed the net was dislodged… by Quick. Rules are rules and the goal was disallowed which sent the game into over time and then to a shoot out. Russia’s Ilya Kovalchuk had scored twice on Quick in the shoot out, but missed on Russia’s final chance (caused by Quick), which left the door open for USA’s TJ Oshie to net the game-winner. Quick, you international stud, go for that gold!

Slava Voynov, Russia, 3 games played Goals 0, Assists 0

Slightly salty, no biggie. After the emotional loss to the USA, Voynov was a bit critical of his LA teammate, saying it was Quick’s “style” to play like that (knocking the net off). Either way, Voynov, have not done anything individually. Whether this will come up when they get back to the states or not, Voynov’s individual performance has been a little less than impressive. It’s cool though, now that Russia does not have a first-round bye, Voynov potentially has four games to prove himself. Good luck!

Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Medal Round:

Mike W.R.

Twitter: @TheBigDisco