As Kings fans we know who the main players are in the history of the franchise. Wayne Gretzky, Marclew Dionne, Luc Robiataille, Jonathan Quick and Drew Doughty are household names to Los Angeles fans when hockey is talked about.
However, there are players who have either been successful or played key roles in the success of the franchise that go unnoticed. Below is what, to me, is believed as the underrated Kings starting lineup.
At center is Robert Lang, who was productive throughout his career but seemed to go without recognition in Los Angeles, despite being the key producer at the time. At left wing is Vitali Yachmenev. He was a slick little player who wasn’t considered a sniper but did score his share of important and timely goals for the Kings during his time.
At right wing is Adam Deadmarsh, who supplied grit and defense but was known for his overtime goal in 2001 to eliminate the Detroit Red Wings, who were favored and the higher seed. On defense is Mattias Norstrom, who served as captain for a bit patrolling the blueline for the Kings and throwing bone crunching hits.
The other defensemen is Alec Martinez, who scored the cup clinching goal against the New York Rangers in 2014, he goes unnoticed behind Drew Doughty. In goal is Kelly Hrudey. He was never a Vezina candidate nor did he lead the league in goals against average, but he played out of his mind every night during his time in L.A.
There are others who deserved praise and recognition, but this was my list. Do you agree or disagree with my version? Who would you take out and who would you replace them with? Everybody has an opinion on who is underrated, so let’s see your list.
Photo: theroyalhalf.com
