Rink Royalty
Fansided

Will That 70’s Line be Dominant This Year?

By Gary Hale

facebooktwitterreddit

77 + 73 + 70 = That 70’s Line.

NHL fans were introduced to a new nickname for a dominant line during the 2014 playoffs – Jeff Carter + Tyler Toffoli + Tanner Pearson. They were tearing teams apart at the seams that playoff run…especially the Chicago Blackhawks. Ultimately, it led the Kings to their 2nd Stanley Cup in 3 years.

Check out this interview with the line where they talk about their chemistry:

Man, I love watching them dominate the Blackhawks!

So what makes the “That 70’s Line” so dominant? Domination that they took into the first leg of the 2014-15 season?

Well, each line mate brings something special to the table.

JEFF CARTER, #77 (Center)

March 5, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Jeff Carter (77) celebrates his goal scored against the Montreal Canadiens during the first period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jeff Carter has thrived as a member of the Los Angeles Kings. His acceleration & speed has him flying by defense in the matter of a few strides. His wrist shot has so much power that it catches goalies off-guard. And his experience helps him act as a guide to Toffoli & Pearson.

Carter was a 1st round pick in 2003 by the Philadelphia Flyers. He was shipped off to Columbus only to, quickly, be sent over to the Kings for Jack Johnson and a 1st round pick. Based on his performance so far, I’d call that a steal! His point total continues to increase (33, 50, 62) each season and I only expect that to continue as he gains more comfort in a Kings uniform.

Carter is the cornerstone of the “That 70’s Line.”

TYLER TOFFOLI, #73 (RW)

Feb 12, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center Tyler Toffoli (73) celebrates after scoring against the Calgary Flames in the second period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“What a shot?!” That’s what I find myself saying time and time again after Toffoli rips one past the ‘tender. It’s accurate, it’s heavy, it’s unpredictable. Add on his willingness to get into dirty areas, and talk trash to just anyone and you’ve got the making of a competitive superstar in Toffoli.

Toffoli is the sniper. Give him the puck and a little bit of space and he’ll find the back of the net. He’s shown himself to be good in any situation. On the penalty kill, he led the league in shorthanded goals with 5 last season. His knack for the offensive zone makes him a threat on the power play. And he led the team with a +25 last season at even strength.

Thank God the Kings signed him to an extension.

My only criticism of Toffoli is his speed and endurance. His shifts are quick…averaging around 20 seconds per pop. And he’s not the quickest on his feet. But that doesn’t seem to be keeping him from making a huge impact at the NHL level.

Toffoli is the ready-made sniper of the “That 70’s Line.”

TANNER PEARSON, #70 (LEFT WING)

Jan 10, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings left wing Tanner Pearson (70) leaves the ice after suffering an apparent injury in the second period of the game against the Winnipeg Jets at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

If you think Carter is fast, just watch Pearson. He blows by just about anyone on the ice. It’s almost sad how slow he makes everyone else seem. What Toffoli lacks in speed, Pearson easily picks up.

Pearson was picked up as a 1st round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. At the junior level, he was often overlooked which allowed the Kings to grab him a year later than expected. The Ontario born 22 year old is just beginning his NHL career and bound to make a decent impact. He’s no superstar, but will be a great 2nd/3rd line LW no matter what team he plays for. Let’s just hope it’s for the LA Kings!

He sustained a broken leg after crashing into the boards feet first ending his 2014-15 campaign early. Many point to his injury & Toffoli’s mono as a key reason why the Kings didn’t make it to the post-season last year.

Pearson probably won’t put up 30 or 40 goals per year but he’ll create a lot of space for his line mates by using his top end speed.

Pearson is the “back you off with my speed” of the “That 70’s Line.”

If all three of these guys stay healthy, get ready to watch the Kings in this upcoming post-season. They play a steady role as the 2nd line behind Kopi & Gabby to support and take pressure of those guys to do all the scoring. All three of them are young and have bright futures ahead.

You can count on seeing the “That 70’s Line” dominate night after night in 2015-16.

Next: Los Angeles Kings: Featured on 30 in 30

More from Rink Royalty

Home/Editorials