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What The LA Kings Opening Night Roster Could Look Like

By Vincent D'Angelo

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 05: Fans head to the entrance for opening night of the Los Angeles Kings 2017-2018 season against the Philadelphia Flyers at Staples Center on October 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 05: Fans head to the entrance for opening night of the Los Angeles Kings 2017-2018 season against the Philadelphia Flyers at Staples Center on October 5, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 5: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings handles the puck during a game against the Minnesota Wild at STAPLES Center on April 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 5: Drew Doughty #8 of the Los Angeles Kings handles the puck during a game against the Minnesota Wild at STAPLES Center on April 5, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NHLI via Getty Images) /

LA Kings 1st D-pairing:

17-18 Forbort Doughty
18-19 Forbort Doughty


It’s the same pairing, Doughty will be Doughty and we accept that. Did Doughty spend some more time in the box than he should have this season? Maybe. Just keep in mind that the passion he shows when he’s yelling and “throwing tantrums” is the passion that wins championships.

Forbort is still a mystery. Who is Derek Forbort as a hockey player? Is he reliable? Is he streaky? He can be a strong stay at home defenseman but there are some mental gaffs (which we as fans take in stride) it happens.

Forbort is the key to whether this pairing is an upgrade this season. We know what we’re getting with Doughty, Forbort is more of a wild card.

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