Is That 70’s Line The Best In The NHL?
The Los Angeles Kings second line is one of the best lines in the entire NHL. It consists of Tyler Toffoli, Tanner Pearson, and Jeff Carter, and it is commonly called that 70’s line. This line received its name from the fact that all three players’ numbers are in the 70’s. Some Kings fans like to compare this line to the popular television show, That 70’s Show. However, these three players are no joke.
Usually when you think of the Los Angeles Kings, you think of players like Jonathan Quick, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Mike Richards. These players can sometimes cause the Kings’ second line to go unnoticed. This is a problem that needs to stop because this line is a force to be reckoned with right now in the NHL.
This line is currently the best one the Kings have. This line averages two goals per game for the Kings, which is incredible when you look at the fact that the Kings have only scored more than two goals twice this season. Plus, Toffoli, Pearson, and Carter are the top three point scorers for the Kings. Toffoli and Pearson each have seven points on the season, while Carter has six. After Carter, the next highest point scorer for the Kings is Mike Richards, who only has two points thus far. Clearly, there is a big gap between the players from the Kings’ second line to the rest of the team.
This line’s talent doesn’t just stand out in the Kings roster, it has also caused a commotion throughout the entire NHL. In fact, all three of the line members are in the top thirty-five in points scored in the NHL. Also, this line has carried the Kings to a 6-4-1 record, and they have proven to be the most valuable line the Kings have in their arsenal of players. There is only one line right now that could be considered better than that 70’s line, and that is the New York Islanders first line. Either way the Kings are very lucky to have such an exceptional group of players together, and Kings fans hope that Toffoli, Pearson, and Carter (Eric Forman, Michael Kelso, and Steven Hyde) can continue to preform on such a high level.
May 26, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Tanner Pearson (70) celebrates with teammates Jeff Carter (77) and Tyler Toffoli (73) after scoring an empty-net goal against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period in game four of the Western Conference Final of the 2014 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports