Sutter is King in Stanley's Game of Thrones

(photo courtesy of tsn.ca)

It was always the Kings. It had to be. Beyond their size, offensive prowess, and goaltending, there was an element of mental fortitude with this team that was ever-present. It's what made them the trendy pick after dismantling Vancouver so convincingly in round one. 

(photo courtesy of sports.yahoo.com)

It isn't just a product of the right combination of personalities, which LA evidently is, but something is to be said for Darryl Sutter's ability to not just light a fire under his team, but keep that fire raging. LA never lost consecutive games until the finals, nearly tying the record for fewest games played in a championship run (I smell smoke). The parity in hockey means that nearly every team has the talent to be great, so the voice leading the way is increasingly becoming the biggest strategic difference between champs and chumps.

The Great Vancouver Goalie Debate

(photo courtesy of passittobulis.blogspot.ca)

The Canucks are in a pretty awkward spot. After getting embarrassed in the playoffs this year, the ice is now wearing thin in the Vancouver goal crease. Reading the writing on the wall, Roberto Luongo, a man who walked on water in BC not so long ago, reportedly asked the Nucks for a trade today. In classy fashion, Luongo recognized young Cory Schneider as the future of the franchise in an interview with local reporters.

(photo courtesy of mapleleafshotstove.com)

Now comes the tricky part; Bobby Lu commands a hefty price tag, but is also under contract for another decade. That's a tough sell when you're moving a goalie you gave up on. There are several teams with the need, and the means to accommodate the dollars, but the most interesting question is "how much is Roberto Luongo really worth right now?".

Kings Have Canucks on the Ropes

(photo courtesy of thestar.com)

The LA Kings may finally become rulers of something. After a pair of convincing wins in Vancouver to kick off their first round matchup, LA is in prime position to upset the freshly minted presidents trophy winners. Darryl Sutter's stingy game plan has stifled the shorthanded Canucks, and Jonathan Quick has proven to be the superior netminder. 

(photo courtesy of cp24.com)

The reunion of best buds Mike Richards and Jeff Carter provide LA with a proven winning dynamic in their leadership group. They have big, strong scoring forwards, and an elite puck mover in Drew Doughty. These are key ingredients to winning playoff teams. The Kings history book isn't exactly rich with tales of glory, meaning that this upset would alone be a significant moment, regardless of what happens in the following rounds. If things keep clicking, however, this team could do damage.